Oh the JOY!!!

Can you believe Christmas has come and gone already? Man December is just flying! And speaking of flying....the snow just keeps coming down! When I went into work this morning the roads were just fine and dry, but a couple hours later it was snowing and yucky outside. Luckily I've only got 2 more days to drive to American Fork, then I'll be back up at Gateway and riding the traxs. Though the trax take a couple minutes longer than driving, we get to save on gas, not put as many miles on the car, and plus I get to read 1/2 hr each way (it's an easy way to get your scripture study in).

So this last week has been full of getting ready for Christmas. We decided to make cookies and give them to our neighbors and those who we home teach. I tried some new recipes, and based on how fast Steve and Zack ate them, I guess they turned out pretty good. :) I made snicker-doodles, chocolate cookies w/ white chocolate chips and coconut shavings, and peanut butter cookies w/ recess in the middle.

For Christmas Eve, Steve and I went over to Steve's grandma LuDean's. We met his parents there, along w/ Carrie and Aunt Diane. Jeff and baby Cameron also stopped by for a couple minutes. We had pizza for dinner and watched one of my family's favorite, "Seasons of the Heart." We then made graham cracker houses and decorated them. Steve and I then headed home to pack and get ready to head to Idaho. Since we were getting up early, we decided to open our Christmas gifts from each other. We wanted our first Christmas to be simple yet special, so we got just a couple gifts for each other and tried to focus on others more. I got Steve some slippers from Cabelas, along w/ a hat and pocket knife. He got me a really cool game, Blokus 3D. I love Blokus, so 3D was a slam! We took it to Idaho w/ us and everyone just loved it. He also got me a yoga mat and an oil vile key chain (so I'll always be ready or just in case he's not w/ me). By the time we went to bed it was midnight.


The next morning we got up at 7 so we could get the car loaded and get out the door by 9 so we could have lunch w/ my parents, grandma and aunt/uncle. I made one of Steve's favorite breakfasts, eggs, toast, sausage and orange juice. We then hurried, packed up, and left. We made good time. The road were dry and not many were driving that early, so we made good time; just in time for lunch! It was good to visit and to just be "home." That night we over to my brother Daron's house to play visit and play games w/ him and his family.

On Saturday, Steve went hunting coyotes w/ my dad and brothers, and I helped my mom make pizza. My little brother Dexter just got home from Afghanistan earlier this
week, so we were all glad to see him. He has just a couple more months of service, then he's done w/ the Marines. After lunch we all went down to Grandma's house for our Hegerhorst Christmas Party. We had our program of singing and story telling, then opened white elephant gifts, and had dinner. Riley fell asleep during the program on my dad's lap (so cute). After dessert, we went for a quick walk to see the cows, and Charlotte just loved it! Gotta love the cows ;)

On Sunday, we went to church and enjoyed more time w/ everyone...playing games, visiting, movies, eating, etc. Unfortunately dad wasn't feeling good the whole day. The night before his stomach started to hurt and by the next evening it still hadn't gone away. Steve and Chris gave him a blessing, but by the description he was giving us, we all felt we'd better take him to the hospital. We were all worried it would be his appendix, so we didn't want to chance it. By the time we decided this (since there wasn't any change by the time we were going to bed), it was after 11 pm. My Mom, Steve and I then jumped in the Tahoe and drove my dad to the ER in Boise (1 1/2 hrs away). They got us right in, took his blood, got an IV started, and took his vitals. Not his favorite thing in the world to have done, mine neither, but he survived. He made the best of the situation and were laughing all night (morning I guess it was technically). Dad got a little cold from the IV, so I put his beany on his head and got him all cuddled up ;)The Dr thought if it wasn't his appendix that it was his colon, and it was. He had developed a hole in his colon, which had been irritating him, obviously. It's called diverticulitis. The Dr gave him some antibiotics, but also recommended him going to his Dr a couple weeks later. I'm so thankful that we stayed an extra day and were able to take my dad to the hospital. Both Steve and I had the feeling to stay that night, and who knows if they would have gone in had we not been there. By the time we got home it was after 4 am, so needless to say, we were all a little tired the next day...any maybe still are.

I'm so thankful for this time of year, especially to give us an extra reason to reflect and think of Christ. I love my family and and so grateful to spend time w/ them. I know it is through the Atonement of Christ that we can return to our Heavenly Father and live w/ our families as well!

We are done!!!!!

So first things first.....Steve and I are officially done with school....well at least until January! We have been sooooo busy w/ school, especially these past three weeks or so trying to keep up on homework assignments and tests. We both finished up all our classes by Thursday last week. It is such a relief! All our grades have been posted now and we both did great! Steve worked really hard this semester and his work has definitely paid off. We're now enjoying our time together to just relax and be with one another.

Next announcement, we got new WINDOWS!!! Our condo was soooo cold before, so we figured it would be a good investment to purchase new windows. We got one for each room and of course our huge sliding glass door. It took them a little longer than expected, but they got it done and they look great! It's quite warmer now that's for sure. We should also be able to get tax credits and some utility rebates as well...double bonus!


Friday I had the day off; it was great! Steve and I got to do some errands, and also went to support Ethan in his preschool Christmas program. We went and ate at "Noodles and Company" first; it was actually pretty good. They were so cute signing. That night Steve surprised me by taking me to "Zoo Lights." I didn't know that the Zoo was open in the winter, let alone that they decorated w/ lights. It was a lot of fun! We got to walk around the zoo and look at the animals, especially the cats were out (Tigers, mountain lions, links, etc), and we also got to enjoy some creative Christmas lights (in the form of animals). There was a good amount of people there, but we still had a blast. On the way back we picked up some hot chocolate at 7-Eleven yummm! Thanks for the great date night honey! ;)

Saturday we had a pretty busy day. In the morning I went over to the church for choir practice while Steve worked on our water heater. The boards were old and moldy, so Steve decided to replaced them. When I got back, I made some pizza dough and got ready for Zach and Rob to come over. They came over around 12:30 pm we could play Wii. As I put together the pizzas, they played games. We played bowling, a board game, boxing, etc. Carrie and Elvis even came over for a bit to play; it was a lot of fun...even if I'm not so good. That night we went over to the McGrath Christmas party. They have it every year at the Best Western hotel in Sandy. It was great to see everyone and catch up a little. I'm still trying to get the "family tree" down, but it's coming.

On Sunday, we had the Verhagen Family over. They are a family from Vancouver, Steve's mission. They drove down from Canada and decided to stop by and visit while they were on their way to Vegas and Disneyland. We took them to church w/ us. It was our branch Christmas program, which was really good. After church, we showed them around our condo, then Steve took them up Little Cottonwood canyon to see the quary, while I went and helped Dave and Joann get lunch ready. They then came back and we had lunch. We then watched the movie, "Only a Stone cutter" which is about the pioneer who carved the words "Holiness to the Lord" on the SLC Temple. It's a great story. We then went up to Temple Square to look at the lights and visitor information. We met Steve's old companion, Hunter Heaton, and his wife. Ironically they served together in the city We were able to catch a tour of the Conference Center, which was awesome! It always amazes me the more I learn about that building. It really is a modern miracle. We then went to the visitor's centers and walked around looking at the lights. Though it was Sunday, there were a LOT of people at Temple Square. It was rather cold as well, so we tried to go quickly. After we got back, we ate some sandwiches for dinner and played "Apples to Apples." It was great spending time w/ them. It's always fun to be w/ people from your mission.

On Monday, Steve took them up to "This is the Place" monument and then over to the distribution center. They had a blast shopping I hear; stayed there for 3 hours or so. They then had lunch and headed to Vegas. It's been snowing today, so good thing they left. That night after work, Steve and I watched "The Christmas Carol" on tv. We then went and drove around the neighborhood and looked at the Christmas lights. It was a lot of fun!

We're getting pretty excited for Christmas! We're planning to spend Christmas Eve w/ Dave and Joann, then spend Christmas w/ my parents. My little brother Dexter is supposed to be getting back this week from the Marines (he was over in Afghanistan for several months). We're excited to see him and all the relatives this weekend!

BRRRR......

Wow, it is cold outside! It's been in the teens all this week as we're going to work and school, and barely getting above freezing during the day! We got hit with a bunch of snow this weekend, and it's still coming down. The commute wasn't too bad, just had to go slowly. Luckily I left early enough so I was still on time.

Well, a lot has happened since I last blogged, so I'll try to give you a quick update. It's been pretty busy around here with school and work. We've got finals next weeks, so there's been a lot of preparation for them. Steve has been rocking his classes too! He's really enjoying the work he's doing, and recently he's decided he'd like to become a Physicians Assistant. He also met w/ a counselor this week and found out he can finish up with Medical Assistant Degree and associates by next fall. He's pretty excited! He also took a CPR class on Saturday and passed w/ a 100%.

On Saturday evening, we got together w/ the Snow College Ambassadors that I served with back in 2002-2004. We got together for dinner at Johnny Carinos. It was fun to see everyone and catch up over the years. I can't believe how fast time goes by.

For Thanksgiving we went down to Highland to be w/ my mom's side of the family. We helped get set up and make potatoes. After dinner, we hurried back up to Steve's parents place for an honor dinner. This is something they do every year to honor someone in the family, this year it was their grandma LuDean. We went around the circle and said why we appreciate her and gave her a little something that reminded us of her. My dad also came up w/ us and as soon as we were done, Steve, his dad and my dad left to the cabin to go fishing. Steve wanted to go fishing for his birthday, and since my dad was down here, he decided to take him.


They had a BLAST fishing I hear. They slept overnight at the cabin, then went out the next morning and stayed until the afternoon. I heard my dad had a blast, though it took him a while to get the hang of rowing the pontoon boat and fishing at the same time. They all caught something, and even caught a couple BIG ones too!!!!! My dad thought it was going to be too cold to fish, but from the sounds of it, they had to pull him out of the water to leave! ;)

Steve's 24th birthday was the 29th. I made Steve crepes for breakfast and gave him a couple gifts. He already got his BBQ 2 months ago, but since he needed them....I got him a new wallet and some shorts (he won't sleep in pants though it's freezer). We then went out to Rose/Jared's for Sophia's baby blessing. Since it wasn't fast Sunday the Bishop didn't want it to be done in the church, so it was done at their home. Afterwards we ate, talked, and played games. I made Steve a chocolate cake w/ carmel in the middle and whip cream and chocolate shavings on the top; we sung Steve Happy Birthday We then went over to Steve's parents to play games too; Zach and Rob came over to play as well.


The night before I made Steve one of his favorite dinners, Shepherd's Pie. We then took the trax downtown to look at the lights at Temple Square. It was the first day the lights were on, so there were a lot of people there. The lights were beautiful and fun to see.

Last Saturday we had Carrie over. We made stuffed peppers and watched "Hitch." It was good to spend some time w/ her; it seems we haven't seen her in a while. Also, this Friday we had Zach and Rob over. We made fajitas on the grill (soooo good) and watched "Angels and Demons." We then went to the hot tub to warm up. We love having the hot tub...it's huge like 12x8!

Well, we hope all is well. It's Christmas time soon. Steve and I have been married 11 months now, almost a full year. Crazy I know!

Love ya :)