Thanksgiving and First Snow

Thanksgiving dinner was a huge success! I can't take all of the credit though, my friend Becky and I took on the task of cooking our first Thanksgiving dinner from scratch and I'm glad we did it together. I made the stuffing, cranberry sauce, broccoli, mash potatoes and together we did the turkey. Becky was in charge of the rolls, pies, and sweet potatoes. It was our first time cooking the turkey and it was delicious. Thanks to a recipe I found in Rachael Ray's magazine, the turkey was really moist and flavorful, but my favorite part was the stuffing and cranberry sauce. I made my grandma hall's recipe and it brought me back to the younger years of just showing up for dinner and stuffing myself. There will definitely be a second annual Thanksgiving dinner with the Anderson's next year. The only sad part of the day was ASU loosing to USC. We will always be Sun Devil fans through and through, plus Nebraska stunk this year.
The day before Thanksgiving we had our first snow here. We came out of the gym and there were the snow flurries. We even had snow on the ground and roof tops. It didn't snow much, but because it stayed so cold days after, the snow stayed on the ground for several days. Just in case any of you were wondering, my first time driving in the snow was safe and uneventful. Hope it stays that way. My driving skills are not that great under normal circumstances. I forgot to take a picture of the beautiful turkey, but here's some of the yummy food we enjoyed.









A little side note. Hollyn and I went to see Enchanted today with our friends and we loved it! Hollyn was a little scared any time the evil queen was on, but other than that she really liked it. The music was entertaining and Becky and I were laughing through most of the movie. If you are looking for a good clean movie for kids that even you will enjoy I would give it two thumbs up.

I've been tagged!

Thanks Mare for the tag! Here are a few random facts about myself. For those of you who know me well, they probably won't come as a suprise to you.

1. I am extremely frugal. I only buy things that are on sale and that usually includes groceries. When I buy something that's not on sale I always have buyers remorse and often that buyers remorse ends with a return. I have made a vow that after law school the buyers remorse is out the door.

2. I am a sucker for the teeny bopper shows. When a cheesey high school movie is on like Mean Girls or She's the Man (My Fav) I can't help but watch it. Just the other night I watched Princess Diaries 2 and I had to stay up till midnight to finish it. I know it's pathetic, but I can't help myself.

3. I love love,love the gym. I love the smells (except sweaty hairy guys), the sweat, and the way I feel when I leave. I even love the little towels they hand out to whipe your brow. When I don't work out for several days I get really irritated, and moody. Dan will even comment sometimes when I'm grouchy, "go work out." Working out is like a drug for me. And my favorite classes are the ones that kick my rear. It is the one time of day that I get to do something that is just for me, all by myself.

4. I don't bake. With the exception of banana and zuchinni bread I do not bake at all. I love to cook, but when it comes to baking it's just not my thing. I don't really enjoy baking and it never turns out right. Just last night I baked some chocolate chip cookies and they were flat as pancakes. I love looking for new recipes and trying different kinds of foods, but if it includes baking I stear clear. My goal is to learn how to cook bread before we leave Lincoln. My good friend here is an amazing baker and hopefully it will wear off on me.

5. I am a horrible bowler. I cannot bowl for the life of me. For any of you who have been bowling with me you know what I'm talking about. There's something about rolling the ball down the slick lane that I just can't do. Either I bowl too hard, or I'm off to one side, but I just can't seem to get the hang of it. Maybe it all goes back to that time in elementary school bowling with friends when I was hit in the eye with the ball. Don't ask me how it happened, but I had a black eye to prove it. If you're ever in the mood for bowling and you want to win, just invite me along, cause unless a miracle occurs I won't score above 100.

6. I had to add one more just for fun. Apparently I am not funny. I have gone most of my life thinking that I was funny and whitty, but I was wrong. There have been so many times that I have said something that I thought was hillarious and I will be laughing histarically, then I will look over at Dan and he will be looking at me with that face that says that wasn't funny. Oh and he lets me know, I'm not as funny as I think I am. I will have to say that my husband is extremely funny and I would like to think that some of that has worn off on me. You be the judge.

I am tagging Kim, Amy D. and Suzy. Hopefully it will motivate all of you to update your blogs.

Check out my Slide Show!

Leaves are falling all around...

I have to say that I love FALL! The leaves are changing colors, the weather is cool, there are leaves everywhere. We have never owned a rake up until this point, but now I can see why everyone here needs one. Our yard is covered with leaves, and what's the point of having leaves if you can't jump in them and throw them over your head. Hollyn had a fabulous time playing in the leaves and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

Santa in November?

Saturday morning we went to a scavanger hunt at the mall. It was a hunt for Santa. At the end Santa was asleep on one of the beds at the matress store. Hollyn loved it! She was so excited to see him she kept saying, "Hi Santa," every chance she got. The kids where able to have milk and cookies with Santa and then they each got their picture taken with him. Hollyn actually went and sat on his lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas. I was so impressed, I thought for sure I would be sitting on Santa's lap with her again this year.

Hollyn the Great!

I'm not usually one to brag, but then I thought what's the point in being a mom if you can't brag about you kid every now and then. Hollyn is an amazing little girl. Every day she surprises me with something she remembers or knows or even sings. Lately is has been about what she eats. Everything I cook she eats, including squash and any other vegetable. Just tonight we were having Mexican food and some salsa. I look over and see Hollyn spooning salsa into her mouth. I'm talking about plain salsa. As gross as it may seem, I thought hey it's healthy. Then after dinner instead of asking for a treat as she often does (I never said she was perfect) she asked me for snapped peas. This kid is addicted to snap peas (Costco's of course) I have to literally put a limit on them. Now only if her mom could be as healthy as she is all the time.

Pumpkins, Candy, and Costumes

Our Halloween extravaganza is finally over so I thought I would send some pictures of all the fun we had. Hollyn was a princess pirate, okay the princess is a stretch, but every girl adds princess to everything. She loved to say Argh Mattie. (I have no idea if that's how it's spelled, you get the idea though)
The Friday before Halloween we went to the Children's Museum for some trick or treating. The Children's Museum here does an amazing job. The middle floor was all trick or treating and they had some really great stuff for the kids. Each treat went along with the theme. For instance at the doctors station they gave away red glow sticks that looked like blood. The farm section gave away chocolate milk and a toy animal. I really liked it because it wasn't all candy. Then the top floor had a craft and the bottom floor had games. Hollyn had a blast! Saturday night we had our ward trunk or treat. It was a little crowded and Hollyn got bored waiting in line at all of the cars, but we had fun seeing all of the kids in the ward and their costumes. Sunday night we went over to the Anderson's to carve pumpkins. Hollyn and Olivia were more interested in drawing on the pumpkins and trying to get the knives, but we were able to carve some pretty great pumpkins. It sure has been fun for Hollyn to find a great friend here in Nebraska. They really have become inseparable and we always love hanging out with the Andersons. Then to finish things off, on Halloween we went to the outdoor mall to go trick or treating with the Andersons. Hollyn and Olivia loved running to all of the different stores to get candy. I should have taken advantage of the opportunity and shopped a little. All in all we had a fabulous Halloween. It was nice spending so much time together as a family and seeing Hollyn so excited.

The crazy things you see on Halloween

It's Halloween it's Halloween the moon is full and bright and we shall see what can't be seen on any other night. So, this past week I was reminded of all the crazy things you see and talk about during this great holiday Halloween. Halloween is not one of my favorite holidays, except that I get to dress my daughter up in fun costumes, but for the most part I don't look forward to this holiday. Case and point, we were at our ward trunk or treat on Saturday. They did a tri-ward trunk or treat so there were lots of people I didn't know, but one in particular stuck out in my mind and will forever be burned there. As I was taking Hollyn around to all of the different cars there was a couple in front of me with two little girls. The mom was dressed up in a full body black cat women leotard with a tail and all. That part I can get over and get, the women had a long lean figure so she could pull it off. The part that threw me off track was the boyfriend standing beside her with his arm around her waist and his hand full on grabbing her rear. And I am not exaggerating on this one at all, it wasn't resting on the top it was full on grabbing. I couldn't keep my eyes forward or myself from laughing. I felt like I was back at Kino Junior High. So to all those who actually read this blog let me know all of the fun and crazy things you saw this Halloween.

Kansas City

Kansas City Here We Come!

Dan had his October Break on Monday, so we decided to take a trip to Kansas City with some friends. We left Saturday morning and went to the Legends outlets in Kansas City, Kansas. After a few hours of shoping and a few bags to show for it we headed to Overland, Kansas to our hotel. We had a hard time finding a room in Kansas City, Missouri because it was Octobeer fest and their was a marathon going on. After checking in we went to a local restraunt recommended by our good friend Travis, who served his mission there. Strouds was suppose to have the best fried chicken around. It sure had the wait to show for it. When we got there the wait was an hour and 50 minutes. We opted for takeout and ate in the Cabin next door to the restraunt. The food was great. The meal came with chicken, potatoes, green beans, and yummy cinnamon rolls. We had to roll ourselves back to the hotel. Sunday we took a trip to Independence to see some church history sites. We went to the Church Visitors Center. We were lucky to catch the Dead Sea Scrolls while they were they. It was amazing to see how they found the scrolls, then how they were able to translate them and the history behind them. We were also able to learn more about the early Saints and their lives in Independence. I am so greatful that we are able to be here in the Midwest and learn more about the Church's history. I have decided to start reading a few books about the Saint's treck to Salt Lake and the trails they endured. After feeling the Spirit in the Visitors Center we decided to go next door to the RLDS church's new temple. They have actually recently changed their name to the Community of Christ. From the pictures you can see the interesting design of their temple. They designed it after the sea shell. The temple was very interesting and so was the tour. We learned that the church recently allowed the women members hold the priesthood and they use the cross throughout their church. It seems like the similarities between the two are becoming less and less. The man who took us through the tour was nice, but the Spirit was not present. I am so grateful for the Spirit that I feel when I enter any of our church's sites. After seeing the spiral temple we went to the best BBQ place in town, Arthur Bryant's. It was the best pulled pork I have tasted. The portions were huge. I had a whole takeout of pork left when I was done eating. If you are ever in Kansas City you have to try Arthur Bryant's. Thanks for the recommendations Travis, we even posted some pictures just for you. YUMMY!

Grandparents Time!

Visit from Grandma & Grandpa Hall

We were so excited and happy to have my parents come and visit this last week. Hollyn was especially excited to spend time with her grandparents. Every morning she would wake up and immediately run downstairs to wake them up and be with them. Sorry Mom and Dad for the early wake up calls, I know you guys are two hours behind us. While they were here we went to the local farmer's market, picked apples, walked downtown, went to the sunken gardens, went to a pumpkin patch, and headed over to the Mormon Trail Center and Winter Quarters Temple. They were able to come at a beautiful time of year with all of the leaves turning colors and 70-60 degree weather. I think every ones favorite part was the pumpkin patch. This was no ordinary pumpkin patch, it had pony rides, goats, lamas, cows, pig races, jumping things, hay rides, a train, bike tracks, a bunny town, and much more. It looked like a fall theme park. The Mormon Trail Center was also a great place to visit. There is so much more church history that I need to learn and every time I learn something new I am amazed at the faith and courage of those who have come before us to establish this great gospel. Grandma and Grandpa were great house guests. I think Mom cooked more than I did, and we all know what a great cook she is. Please come and visit as much as you want. We loved having you guys here!

Potty Training

This week was the official potty training week. I decided that it was time to really take the plunge and go full force with the potty training. We began on Monday by saying that we didn't have any more diapers so it was time to wear panties and go in the potty. Hollyn looked at me and said, "Mom, I'm a big girl and I go in the potty now." I figured that was a good sign. The first day was a little rough, we were 50/50 with the in the potty and in the panties, but we stuck with it. We started a sticker chart, which has really helped and given Hollyn some incentive. Each day has gone a little better until she went a whole day without any accidents. I think we almost have the peeing down, but it's the pooping in the potty that is kickin my rear. I finally decided to let her wear a diaper for the pooping, at least for now. I would rather have her go in her diaper than in her panties. I was just talking with my good friend Maren about potty training the other day and it really helped to have someone else going through the same stage. Mare, we just have to keep smiling and gritting our teeth at the same time, as we wash those poopy undies. I love potty training!

Higley Groves Ward

Everyday as I am getting ready I see the picture of all our friends from our old ward when they threw us a going away party. Each time we look at it it makes us homesick for our old ward. We had amazing friends and families in our old ward. Hollyn still talks about all the kids from her old nursery class and her nursery teachers Kathryn and Susan. I am so grateful for all of the friends we are meeting here in Lincoln in the Trendwood ward. We are lucky to have found a ward with so many families in school. We are excited to come home for Christmas in a few months and visit all our friends and family. Do you think they will call me to nursery? I'm kidding. It's just a joke for those of you who already know I was called to be in nursery in our new ward too. I really do love nursery!

Children's Museum

Week of Fun

On Tuesday we were finally able to take Hollyn and her friend Olivia to the Children's Museum. They spent almost three hours playing, running, and just having fun. They could have spent longer, but we were all getting hungry and us moms were getting tired. It was the perfect thing to do on a rainy day. From the pictures you can see how great this museum is. Three floors of absolute entertainment for children of all ages. You're all welcome to come visit and see it for yourself. Friday our ward had what they call a Pig Out. Someone in our ward works at the university in the agricultural department, so they slaughter a big for him and even roast it. I guess last year they had the whole pig out there with the orange in it's mouth and all, but it disturbed a few people, so this time it was just the meat and no pig. It tasted really good, too bad we all had stomach problems that night. Maybe it was the potato salad or even the baked beans, or a combination of all three. It was a fun activity, because we were able to just hang out and chat with people in the ward.

Books, Parades, Apples, and Friends

Books, Parades, Apples, and Friends

Lately I have been trying to plan something fun to do with Hollyn each day. My friend Becky and I try to do lots together because her daughter Olivia and Hollyn are only a month apart in age. This week we went to a really great park called Antelope Park. It has a huge playground for all kids, and then a smaller one for kids who are under 5. Hollyn and Olivia whore each other out. I love when that happens. We also went to a book reading at Barnes and Noble about Curious George, and guess who showed up to visit? You can see from the pictures that Hollyn wasn't too thrilled about seeing him. But once he was gone she couldn't stop talking about him. On Saturday we went to Nebraska City with the Anderson's for the Apple Jack Festival. We saw the parade, got delicious apples, and went to an apple orchard. We were so happy to have Dan there with us.

More Stuff

I figured since I have finally got a grasp on how to do this blogging stuff I would get as much done as I can. I'm not sure when I'll be updating everything again. Thanks Caryn, for helping me with the slide show and the cute background. You are the blogging queen. After Dan was done studying today we went to Omaha. We were driving around looking for things to do and ended up at a mall. I think the best part of the whole mall was the cute playground. Hollyn had a blast and I couldn't resist posting this cute picture of her in the tent. I will have to say that we haven't been able to pin point what there is to do in Omaha, except for to go to the temple and the children's zoo. So far we have found Lincoln to be the happenin place. Please inform us if you know of any fun things to do there.

Labor Day Fun!

Today Hollyn and I went on a jog while Dan was studying. Our jog turned into a nature hike along the way. We found this half turtle half horney toad along the way. Hollyn loved to look at it but she refused to touch it. We had to bring it home to take a picture for everyone. It kept trying to climb out of the stroller basket, which made for a long run. Hollyn and I love going on jogs together and looking for new animals.

Our trip to the Omaha Zoo. The gorilla loved to look at Hollyn.

Weekend Fun with Family before we left AZ

Funny Girl!

This morning as Hollyn and I were taking Dan to school to study Hollyn says to Dan as he is leaving "you make a women go mad." I turned around and asked her what she said. She said it again and I asked her where she heard it, she said "Shakira mom." Then I remembered it's from the Hips Don't Lie song. I guess there's nothing wrong with liking to jam in the car. Right?!? We love our little girl.

First week of school, first week of school!

We survived the first week of school. Since we only have one car I would drop Dan off at about 7:30 and then pick him up at 6pm. A few days he went back to study after dinner. He is really liking school. He says it's a ton of reading and work, but he is learning a lot. I'm just surprised his brain can retain that much information. Hollyn and I are so lucky to have a husband and Dad that works so hard for his family. During the day Hollyn came with me to my job at a preschool. Here in Lincoln if the wife is recruited to a job than you can get in state tuition. It's a really great deal. My hours are from 8-4pm. It's a long day, but it's worth it to have Hollyn there with me. Hopefully we will be approved for instate tuition by the end of this week. Keep your fingers crossed for us. Yesterday was the Huskers first football game. Hollyn and I were driving down town and all we saw was a sea of red. It was so great to see the whole town wearing red to support their team. That's one thing that I really like here in Lincoln, the fans are so loyal.
We like our new ward and have meet lots of people so far. Last week I played in a ward softball tournament and was able to get to know people there and we also attended a ward potluck last Sunday and meet lots of law students. I think there are 10 or even more in our ward. Hollyn has meet a friend here too named Olivia. She and Hollyn are nursery buddies, which is good because I am ready to go to Sunday school and Relief Society. Her mom and dad, Aaron and Becky are really great and we have done a few think with them so far. We have found some friends. Hurray!

Nice Shiner!

Hollyn received a wonderful gift when we first arrived in Lincoln, a black eye. She was so excited to finally be done driving she decided to celebrate by jumping on the bed in our hotel room. She got a little carried away and begin jumping in the pillows. Instead of landing in the pillows she ran right into the bed post. OWW!

Nebraska Here We Come!

So I decided to try blogging out while we are here away from home. It's a little more challenging than I thought it would be but I'm hoping to get the hang of it soon. We have now been in Nebraska I believe 2 weeks. It's hard to keep track of the date when your unpacking and running around. We are finally done unpacking pretty much everything and it's finally looking like home. Hollyn has her room and toys set up, so she is loving life and she finally has a kitchen to play with. We are all grateful to be out of the hotels and into a house. Here is a picture of our little house. It has two bedrooms upstairs and a finished basement downstairs with lots of storage. Hurray!