Traditions and Memories

I have thought a lot recently about some of my favorite family traditions. I have always looked forward to the holidays knowing that certain things would happen - orange rolls would be made, family would get together, and christmas carols would be sung. It's definitely a new and exciting experience being brought into another family's traditions. Mike has an incredible family. I've watched them interact and enjoy each other and it makes me a little less homesick for my own family this time of year. I am excited to be part of the annual Balli Christmas Eve get together this year as well as many other family traditions on Mike's side.

I've also been thinking about the traditions and memories that Mike and I are creating along the way. We have one that started after I realized that for a few weeks in a row we were eating soup for dinner on Mondays. I get excited now thinking of new recipes to try come Monday night. Thanksgiving morning Mike and I ran a 5k with his friends Jill and Rob. How fun would that be to have a tradition of doing a run before the big glutenous stuff-your-face-fest? Last night we went to "Holly Days" right in the heart of Vernal (which isn't really big at all), and walked around enjoying the lights, the marshmallow roasting, the karaoke singing, and entertainers. What a fun thing to do with our kids someday!

Life is all about being around those you love and making memories that will stay with you. I love that I have such an amazing family that shares those memories with me and that I get to make new memories with this family that I am now a part of!

Cross your fingers!

Mike and I have been seriously looking for a home to buy by the November 30 new home buyer tax credit deadline. I wanted to stay in the ward because of my new calling and we were able to find a great home within the ward bounderies. We put an offer on the home, received a counter offer from the bank, and are now waiting to hear back. If all goes well, we will be able to close on the house by the end of the month. Here's a little sneak peak at what will hopefully be our new home....