Happy Turkey Day

Look at this beauty! It's not my first turkey or anything. More like my third or fourth, but this one actually took some effort. I did a rosemary and basil rub that went between the skin and meat. This meant I had to separate the two and squish it in there myself. Gross at the time, but so worth it.

We had quite a spread. Rachel came over with her family and brought close to half the meal. That was so appreciated. Even with that help, dinner was half an hour late. It was so fun though. Joseph, Laura, and Spencer drove up from Provo and joined us for this weekend. We also had the opportunity to have one of Jeremy's colleagues join us. He is from the Czech Republic and this was his first Thanksgiving. It was just such a nice time. Below are some pictures from the day. I can't believe I am actually blogging because of how tired I am, but I just wanted to get these up.

Searching for an after-dinner snack

Running off with my treasure

Now for the best photos of the day:

Give me just one kiss

Please! Just let me give one little kiss...

Fine, but only if I don't have to kiss back

I have much to be grateful for today. It's wonderful to look at everything I have, especially on a day so full of gluttony (which I gleefully take part in) that it's easy to not appreciate each individual dish. Sometimes I think we look at life that way. Overall, it's more good than can be fully taken in, so we don't appreciate each item for the wonderful thing it is. Like a husband who willingly helps in the kitchen preparing and cleaning. A daughter who showers me with kisses any time of day. A faith in God that gets me through all the rough times. And a God that blesses me beyond my comprehension. It's nice to take a few moments every once in awhile, more often if we are lucky, to remember how it's all the little things that combine to make up such a wonderful life. Happy Thanksgiving to you all today. I hope you've each had time to reflect and find something positive that maybe you missed recently.

A New Culinary Sensation

Carolyn is ready to send in her audition tape to Top Chef. She has a very discerning palate, especially when it comes to mingling new flavors. Her latest creation is a delectable combination of sweet applesauce and salty Harvest Cheddar Sunchips. Mmmm, sounds delicious, no?

Christmas Already?

We appreciate the ornaments and decorations we get each year from Jeremy's parents. It helps us create a collection of unique ornaments that have meaning to our family. Much better than going to the store and buying three boxes of perfectly coordinated glass balls at Fred Meyer. I think Christmas is going to be so fun this year because Carolyn is old enough to be interested in the packages--the tearing, the surprise. She really enjoyed opening these pre-Christmas presents. She especially loved her new music box.

Here is a short video of her opening the box. We ended up needing to help, but for the people who can't get enough of her (you know who you are), here's another video for your viewing pleasure.

Future Mia Hamm

We have regular daddy-daughter time at our house. Usually, after dinner, or before if Mom is slacking, Jeremy and Carolyn will take to the living room and have the time of her life. All it takes? Well, just one ball and lots of kicking!



Also, videos from our camera never embed correctly, but if you really want to watch Carolyn play her favorite game or talk, just click the links!

Again?

We took Carolyn in today to make sure she wasn't overly dehydrated from the stomach flu that she's been fighting for the past couple of days. While in, they said it was about a month ago she was in for croup. Are you kidding me? It was actually 4 weeks? In my mind, it went something like sick for 2 weeks, well for Halloween and my birthday, and then sick the next day. It's amazing the tricks your mind can play on you. Hopefully this will pass from our house quickly. It has now struck me, but I really hope Jeremy can avoid it. He's the only one holding us together right now.