2015 in Review

 Review of 2015!

2015 has been an amazing year for us! This year has definitely been one for the books. Here are my Top 10 favorite memorable experiences from this year (from earliest in the year to later in the year)...

(1) Gus!

In January we brought home this fluffy, curly, little pup. He is a part of our family now and has been the perfect family pet! He loves to play, snuggle, and he loves belly rubs. He loves when our nieces and nephews come over, because they will run around and play with him! We never planned on buying a dog until last December. We watched a clip on Youtube that showed happy reactions when people get a puppy for Christmas (random, I know). For some reason, this made us really want a dog. I'm so glad we have Gus in our family!

(2) Zion National Park!

Can you believe Jaren and I grew up in Utah and had never been to Zion National Park? I can't believe it either. We went to Zion over Memorial Day weekend this year. I absolutely loved this trip! The scenery was gorgeous! We hiked just about every hike possible in 2 days! Jaren's aunt is super nice, and let us stay with her over the weekend (she lives in St. George). I love this park!

(3) Jaren's Graduation and Job!

Jaren's graduation was very special. I can't believe he is done with school! When we were married back in 2008, Jaren didn't even know he wanted to be a PA yet. At times, Jaren felt graduating from school was so far away... but time came and went and now he's done! He worked very hard to become a PA, and I couldn't be more proud of him! I love him so much and am so grateful for his dedication and hard work!

Jaren working as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant at Ogden Clinic has been wonderful. Jaren always hoped to work in orthopedics. We love this company, and are so grateful for this opportunity! (Plus, we have a LOT of student loans to pay off!)

(4) Going to Europe for 5 weeks!

I doubt we will ever go on a 5 week vacation again (until we are retired). Everything somehow worked out and fell into place to allow us to do this. We figured... while we don't yet have children, Jaren doesn't begin his job until October, Jaren's parents are already in Europe, and we are young and healthy... why not?! I am SO GLAD we went to Europe and took this time to explore the world and spend time together. The memories we made were worth every penny.

The next few experiences have to do with our trip to Europe (I loved every day we spent in Europe and everything we saw and did, so it's hard to choose)...

(5) Seeing Jaren's parents, spending time with them, and seeing their mission headquarters!

I loved spending time with Jaren's parents while we visited Germany. We miss them, and loved exploring the country with them! We LOVED Germany! I loved their apartment, visiting their mission headquarters, and seeing the sites! They took us to amazing places and we saw castles that were unbelievable. They are so fun to be around and they made Germany so memorable for us!

(6) Hiking through Hallstatt in Austria AND the Cinque Terre in Italy AND the Swiss Alps!

I couldn't decide which hiking I liked more... it's a tie!

Hallstatt- The scenery was breathtaking!

Cinque Terre- Amazingly beautiful!

Swiss Alps- Just perfect in every way possible!

(7) ART!

I never knew I could become so passionate about art until I began studying (yes, I studied a lot) to prepare for this Europe trip over a year ago! The David in Florence, Italy... the Borghese gallery in Rome, Italy... The Louvre and Orsay Museum in Paris, France... these were all my FAVORITE places to see art!

(8) Paragliding in the Swiss Alps!

This was an experience like no other! Pure exhilaration! Seeing the beautiful Lauterbrunnen valley beneath us while soaring like a bird high in the Alps was unbelievable! Every time I think about it I get chills... did we really do that?! It was a spontaneous decision to go paragliding while we were in the Swiss Alps and I am so glad we did!

(9) Eiffel Tower!

When we went all the way up to the Eiffel Tower it was a cold, windy night! But the view was stunning and worth bracing the chilly wind!

View from atop the Eiffel Tower...

Near the Eiffel Tower...

Looking at the Eiffel Tower from atop the Arc de Triumph...

(10) Disneyland with my family!

I love Disneyland. LOVE! We spent Thanksgiving here, which was memorable and so fun! My parents brought us here as our Christmas gift this year. Disneyland was celebrating Christmas AND their 60th Anniversary. We enjoyed every moment at this magical place!

Honorable Mentions...

*Thanksgiving Point Gardens

Jaren and I went with my family to see the Tulip Festival in April. I love the beauty of these gardens!

*Summer Fun!

We hiked all over northern Utah this Summer. I love hiking... it's a fun activity and it's FREE! We also went to Bear Lake, Lagoon, Real Salt Lake games, and drive-in movies!

* The Little Mermaid at Hale Center Theater

I went with Emily to The Little Mermaid to celebrate her birthday! I had never been to Hale Center Theater before this... the show was amazing!

Emily's birthday...

*Ancient Ruins in Rome, Italy

The Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon... it was amazing to think how OLD these were! (And how such a strong civilization crumbled.)

*Versailles in Paris, France

Just beautiful!  The gardens of Versailles went on and on and on for days!

*Cutting my hair and growing my bangs out!

This may seem silly, but I have had long hair since I can remember! It was time for a change. I have a lot of hair, but no one would ever know because it is so thin! It has always been thin. Shorter hair and no-bangs this year has been nice. My hair is much easier to manage.

Before (Best photo I could find to show my long hair and bangs. This is in 2013)...

After...

As I say goodbye to 2016 I look back with many fond memories... here's to 2016!

Christmas 2015

Jaren and I woke up around 8 this morning to exchange gifts and watch Gus open his presents. Jaren gave me a Fitbit and I gave him 2 Snow Basin lift tickets. Afterward we went to my parents house for breakfast and to open gifts! Then we went to Jaren's brother's house and talked to Jaren's parents through FaceTime on our phone! They are spending Christmas in Paris. We miss them and it was fun to talk to them!

Pictures from the day...

At my parent's house...

I think my parent's Christmas tree is gorgeous! We gave them the angel on top of their tree (it's from Germany)...

Gus opening presents... (Isn't his new jacket SO cute?!)

We played the game Pie Face at Jaren's brothers house... (Such a fun game!)

Christmas Eve

I love Christmas Eve!

When we were first married, Jaren and I started our own Christmas Eve tradition. Every year we go out to breakfast and then go see a movie. This year we went to Kneaders but did not go see a movie because we were planning on seeing a movie with my family later in the day.

After Kneaders (yum) we went to Petco. I wasn't planning on buying Gus any gifts (he's a dog, he doesn't care) but Jaren insisted. Gus is a part of our family, and I'm glad we bought him some Christmas presents! We love our little fuzz ball!

Later on we went to Farmington Station with my family. We saw Star Wars (first time for my family, second time for Jaren and myself). Everyone enjoyed the movie, even my mom thought it was ok! (Science fiction movies are not her favorite.) I enjoyed the movie even more while watching it the second time! After the movie we ate at Twigs.

Weekend Fun

Jaren has been working long hours this month. Sometimes he works 15 hour days. Patients are trying to get their surgeries done and use up their insurance benefits before the end of the year. This results in lots of surgeries and long hours for Jaren. This weekend Jaren didn't have to work long hours, and we were able to spend time together!

On Friday my family had planned to go to the Lion House for dinner and walk around Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. When we all met up to drive to Salt Lake, everyone was feeling hungry and tired! We decided we would go eat at Union Grill and then see the Ogden Christmas Village lights instead. Well, after dinner we were all feeling even more tired, so we drove around the Ogden lights instead of walking! Honestly, we had a lot of fun and it was perfect for us to relax, enjoy our time together, and not do too much!

On Saturday Jaren and I had a fun date! We went to see the new Star Wars movie at Farmington Station and then ate at Twigs restaurant afterwards (one of our favorite places to eat). We have been looking forward to this movie for a long time and we LOVED it! (The movie had lots of fun throwbacks to the original Star Wars movies! The cast, acting, and story were also GREAT!) We enjoyed walking around Farmington Station after the movie at night. There are lots of Christmas decorations, lights, and even an ice skating rink there this time of year. I loved going on a date with Jaren!

On Sunday we visited my Grandma Wood. Every time I see her she asks about Gus. She loves Gus. My grandma once had a dog (a poodle) for 17 years named Suzie (17 years is a very long life for a dog). She loved Suzie and always talks about her when we brig Gus over. She is so sweet to Gus and loves to pet him.

Jesus is real to me...

To celebrate Christmas I thought I would share a few thoughts about Jesus Christ...

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as "Mormons"). I believe in respecting ALL religions and beliefs, and being kind to EVERYONE. I believe we are ALL children of the same God, who loves each of us individually and understands our concerns and unique hardships in this life. Yes, at times I do have questions about my religion and find some things difficult to understand, and that is OK. But my testimony is deeply rooted in my Savior, Jesus Christ. Some days, my knowledge of Jesus Christ is all I have to hold on to. This I believe...

I believe God (our Heavenly Father) sent His only perfect Son (Jesus Christ) to this earth to teach us the way we should live and to die for us so that we might live again with Him and with those we love. Our lives have meaning and purpose. With all the terrible events happening around the world and the unique trials and hardships that are inevitable to each of us, I find comfort knowing there is a Heavenly Father and Savior who understand, and if we turn to them we can be comforted and find peace in our lives, even when things seem difficult.

"The Lost Lamb" by Del Parson...

Because of Jesus Christ I can find comfort during times of trial. Jaren and I desire to have children and begin our family more than anything! This trial often brings me to tears and at times seems more than I can bear. However, through Jesus Christ I can find hope, comfort, and strength. He will never leave us. I know Jaren and I will someday have the family we so deeply desire!

One of my FAVORITE paintings! Picture of Sarah (wife of Abraham). "Is Anything Too Hard For The Lord" by Elspeth Young.

Because of Jesus Christ I know my happiness, my "glimpses of heaven" will someday last forever! I feel these "glimpses of heaven" when I am with my husband, our family, and dear friends- people we love!

I love and value our marriage and relationship so much!...

My parents...

My sister...

Jaren's parents...

My sweet grandma...

Life is beautiful, a true gift that I am thankful for everday! I know I have been blessed with a wonderful family and life. Despite this, life can oftentimes be unfair. For example, I understand not everyone has been given a wonderful family like I have. Even though things may seem unfair, that does not mean Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love some people more than others. They love us ALL SO MUCH, so perfectly, just as we are, no matter what! Sometimes when difficult things happen to us we may think, "Why me?" Please know that we are all loved and trials are a part of life (even though that doesn't make them any easier). Because of Jesus Christ, ALL the unfairness in our lives will someday be made right and we can find hope through Him!

"Why Weepest Though" by Simon Dewey...

I am thankful for Jesus Christ. I know He lived and died for us, and that He is risen and lives again! Our sins can be forgiven and we can become clean through Him. Our trials can become easier to bear through Him. We can become better individuals through Him. I love Jesus Christ, my Savior! I am so grateful for His birth! He is the Savior of the world, the Messiah, the King of Kings, our true Christmas gift! He is the reason for hope and joy in this life!

"The Birth of Jesus" by Carl Bloch (one of my favorite artists)...

If you would like to know more about Jesus Christ, please visit Mormon.org

Christmas Festivities

This month has been busy, busy, BUSY! Here's what we've been up to...

On Thursday, December 3rd Jaren and I went to another Jazz game! Jaren got tickets again from work. They weren't front row this time, but we still had great seats! As a fun surprise we ended up sitting next to a lady who was my Young Women's leader back in the day!

On Friday, December 4th we had a work party with just the girls from our office. We ate delicious food from Olive Garden and talked. We had fun and I'm really glad I get to work with such awesome ladies!

Also on Friday, I got ALL our Christmas shopping DONE! Whew! It was crazy, but such a relief to have that behind me. I love giving gifts, but I do not like last-minute shopping.

On Saturday, December 5th, Jaren and I put up Christmas decorations! I think this was the earliest we have ever put our tree up... Yay! One of my favorite things about Christmas is getting Christmas cards in the mail! I LOVE them! This year, I decided to display them as decorations on the mantle.

This tree skirt and wreath were given to us for our wedding. I love to think back on our first Christmas as a married couple!

Jaren's parents gave us this German nativity set a few years ago and we LOVE it!

That night, we went to a friends house for an ugly Christmas sweater pie party! I love pie, and we had a great time!

On Sunday, December 6th Emily invites me to go to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional with her at the Conference Center. I'm so glad we went! I loved the music and talks, which reminded me of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Afterward, we walked around temple square and looked at the beautiful lights!

This past week has been the craziest of all! Jaren has been working from 7am to 9:30 pm almost every night! December gets crazy busy for surgeries because everyone is trying to use their insurance benefits before the new year begins. I'm hoping things will slow down when January comes.

On Thursday, December 11th Jaren had a party (staff only, no spouses) at Texas Roadhouse.

On Friday, December 12th Jaren had a provider party we went to for Ogden Clinic at the Snowbasin lodge. He was introduced as a new advanced practice provider. I met the PAs and doctors Jaren works with and their wives. They were all super friendly. I'm happy and thankful Jaren works for such a great company. I also met several other people, including the CEO. Oh, and yes, I had a piece of food stuck in my hair when I met him. (Embarrassing! Oh well.)

Saturday, December 13th we attended the annual Swapp Ugly Christmas Sweater party. Jaren has been friends with Shawn Swapp since he was 9. We look forward to this fun party every year. We brought white elephant gifts and played Bunko.

Sunday (tonight), December 14th we had our gingerbread house decorating party with Jaren's family. Family parties are the best of all. I love spending time with Jaren's and my family. Gingerbread decorating was a blast! I love this tradition and look forward to it every year. We missed Jaren's parents but still had a great time! 

My nephews LOVED our dancing Snoopy and the singing mouse when they came over!

Blake posing with Gus. How sweet!

Gus was all tuckered out when everyone left. He had so much fun playing with the kids!

Tomorrow we have another Christmas party to go to. This will be with the doctors, PAs, and medical assistants from the orthopedic department at Ogden Clinic and their spouses. I'm excited to meet the other people Jaren works with!

As much as I love Christmas parties, I'll be ready to relax when this marathon of parties is over! I love this time of year, but it can feel so busy and "too much" at times. It's good to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. I am so thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.