Like an Astronaut

Dearest loved ones, I am taking a break from all things normal in life and secluding myself for a month to study for the Idaho bar exam.  If you had asked me if I would ever take another bar exam after my California bar exam sob fest, I would have told you no way.  Now I am in the world of self doubt, stress, and hundreds of flashcards once again and I am hating every minute of it.  So if I don't return your calls or emails, it is not because I don't love you.  You can just think of me here in my little study nook. I live here these days.  I am a bit superstitious and terrified of tests by nature so this is the last that you will hear of the bar, unless I have good news to report in a couple months. In fact, I will not even put the word "bar" in the title of this post.  But I wanted to let you all know why I had dropped off the earth suddenly.  The good news is that living in Idaho is worth the stupid bar exam, even if it will cause additional tears and breakdowns.

 

The materials.  For my Cali friends, same stuff new color.

 

My motivation.  Thanks for the cute frame Elizabeth!  I bet that you didn't think that it would end up here.



I cannot even force a halfway real smile.



Chris and I were watching a science show about travelling to Mars the other day.  It said that our astronauts would be in the shuttle for 2-3 years just to get to Mars (okay maybe studying for the bar is not that bad).  Anyway, I do have a point.  They talked on this show about how food will be more than just food for these confined astronauts, it would be the highlight of their day and the thing that provided a little bit of joy (hence why our government is spending our tax dollars on figuring out ways to freeze dry a porkchop for several years).  And now my point, I am like an astronaut these days. It is the little things that keep me going. I love eating breakfast with Chris in the morning and dinner at night. These times are the highlight of my day. I also enjoy walking Bella, watching the two new little baby lambs that were just born from my study nook, and watching my herb garden grow. I am like an astronaut and am amazed at how much joy the little things provide me when everything else is so monotonous and challenging.

My little things that make me smile.  The Bels (my study partner), one of the baby lambs with momma (the view from my window), and my little herb garden (a sign that spring is around the corner).  Yes, the Bels does look an awful like the little lamb.  Of course, I am so thankful for the support of my family and my wonderful Christopher.

So Long 2010

We wrapped up a wonderful holiday season and an incredible year this week.  We were lucky enough to be able to spend 4 days in McCall and lucky for us it snowed 3 feet while we were there!   It was so wonderful to be able to have both of our sisters and their families with us.  We played in the snow, went sledding, and skied our buns off.  Even Tyler made it up to the mountain for his first time skiing.   It was a blast to go skiing and "flying" with him on the chair lift.  We also were able to spend some additional time with the Whitfields in Boise.  It is always fun to show off our little town, even if the temperatures only made it into the 20s.  We then trekked back up to McCall to ring in the new year. I think I over-pictured myself earlier in the week because I didn't take any photos. This time up we skied in beautiful sunshine and about 4 degree temperatures, which was a massive improvement over the negative 14 it was when we got up. Thank God for long johns. We definitely were in a winter wonderland.

Love his little red cheeks.



Loving the sled.



Pretty girls.

I wonder where he gets his eyes?

I am not sure that he could move, but he looked cute.



The beginnings of true "brotherhood."



We thought that Sophie might fall for Owen, but she apparently has a thing for older men.

2010 was a fabulous year for us.  We are trying to remember to count the many blessings that we had this year. Among our most treasured blessings this year were our wonderful friends and family who supported us in taking a huge step, being able to buy our first home, and moving to a city that we have fallen in love with.  We are excited to see what new adventures come our way next year.  Happy New Year to you all!  May 2011 bring you health and much happiness!

Christmas Finale

The finale of the Christmas celebrations was great.  Chris and I hosted brunch and dinner which basically means that we stuffed ourselves all day long!  Aside from eating, the day consisted of watching a beautiful sunrise, taking Bella for a nice little Christmas walk, cuddling while watching movies, playing in the snow, opening gifts with my mom, and attending Christmas services at the Cathedral of Rockies where we were married 4 years ago.  It was the perfect ending to the week of Christmas celebrations.

Tyler helping to make pigs in a blanket.

Bella showing my dad her skills.