{An Early Christmas Miracle}

It seems to happen every year around this time, without fail. I always receive a Christmas miracle. This year it came at the start of the season...

As most of you know, I had an emergency surgery to get my appendix out in August. Exactly one month before my wedding in September. I didn't have any insurance because I was just waiting to jump on Greg's insurance at Rocky Mountain Power. Boy was that a mistake... After the surgery... I was billed with an $11,000 medical bill. And that was just from the hospital. That didn't include the doctor's fees, the anesthesiologist, the CT scan or the lab fees. Needless to say...that has put a lot of stress on me for these first few months of marriage. We filed for financial assistance a few weeks after the surgery happened, and it seemed like they constantly needed more information. The doctor denied me any medical assistance...so that worried me about my huge $11,000 bill from the hospital. It's been a few weeks since I last called them, so I called to check in on it again today. The man who was helping me was having a hard time finding my account. When he did, he said in a solemn voice... we sent you the letter stating our decision. My heart sank... It sounded like bad news. I told the man that I hadn't received a letter.. so he said. It looks like your new balance is $132.56. EXCUSE ME? Could you say that again? Is that my new monthly payment? No ma'am. That is your total bill. We took off the remaining balance. Your final total is $132. I had to ask him 2 more times just to be sure I understood him correctly! I couldn't believe it! I have prayed and prayed that we could figure something out for these bills. I truly believe that God helped us out in this situation. I honestly have no idea how they got an $11,000 bill down to $132.56! It makes no sense to me. I was expecting to get a few thousand dollars knocked off at the most, but this was truly a blessing! I am so grateful for prayer and for the tender mercies that God shows me in my life so abundantly! Thank you! I am truly blessed.

I will be sure to remember the true meaning of Christmas this season. I only hope I can translate that message to Kaya.

Merry Christmas everyone. God is just a prayer away and he is listening. May we all remember the greatest gift given to each of us, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Max is a real Rock star!

My 2 year old Nephew, Max is going to be a rock star. This video is so funny... seriously worth the watch. He LOVES this song. xoxo

{Trimming the Tree}

Today has been such a fun day. I never like to participate in the Black Friday traditions. I don't ever think the 'deals' are worth the crowds of people pushing and shoving each other all in the name of a few bucks. So instead, we enjoyed the day together. First of all, our Elf on the Shelf arrived today...Kaya was so excited, she could hardly contain herself. She decided this year that she wanted a boy elf on the shelf, so I told her that the one that arrived today was "Elizabeth's" twin brother, "Buddy". She couldn't believe how much they looked alike! (It was the same doll. ) It was so funny!
Anyway, Greg and I took Kaya to see "Wreck it Ralph" today...It was a super cute movie that we all enjoyed. After that we went to Target to pick up some Christmas items, to decorate our tree. Then to dinner at Noodles & Co. It was a packed, fun filled day that we all enjoyed.
When we got home we decorated our tree and had some more fun.

Topping off the Christmas Tree

Buddy the Elf

My two fav's

{A Day of Thanks}

We had such a great Thanksgiving this year. Even though we have spent the previous 2 Thanksgivings together, this was our first Thanksgiving as a married couple and a little family. We first went to the Johnson's at 2pm...had some delicious food there. Greg and Braxton played some football, while Kaya played with her new cousins. Next up we headed to my parents house at 5:30 for some more delicious food. Needless to say, we were absolutely stuffed by the end of the evening. Kaya got to play with some more cousins at Mimi and Papa's house. Kinzie and Ayden were here from Arizona so we had all the cousins together at the same time. So much fun. Kaya ended up having a sleepover at Mimi and Papa's for the 2nd night in a row (So she could spend some extra time with Kinzie and Ayden) So that gave Greg and I, two days of sleeping in! What a treat!!

This year I am so grateful for my new, amazing Husband. I feel so blessed to have found my PERFECT match! He is so great for me and Kaya, both! I couldn't have asked for a better man. We are loving our new time together as a family and are so excited for all of the upcoming holiday festivities! xoxo

Kaya is thankful for: Cousins, Grandma and Grandpa, Step Dad, Dad and Mommy.

I know it doesn't LOOK awesome, but it tasted AMAZING! After my second attempt. (I burned the first batch.)

All the cousins together: Kaya, Max, Kinzie, Stella, Ayden and Linkin

Unique Christmas gift idea

If you are looking for a Unique Christmas gift idea, I have just the thing for you. My Brother-in-law started up a new side business to go along with his photography business called 9frame art. We were lucky enough to receive it as a gift from him for our wedding. We just hung it tonight in our front hall way and it looks awesome! I thought with Christmas coming upon us, I would share this unique idea.

It's one of my favorite buildings downtown SLC, The Boston Building.

Christmas is right around the corner, and I know I am always looking for something unique to give. You can choose out of a selection of his photos or you can submit your own photos to use. I love the idea and I think it would make for a Unique Christmas gift. They are very eye catching and would look great in any space. So if you are looking for a Unique Christmas gift idea go check him out here.  Greg and I love it! Thanks Kyle!

{Happy Halloween}

Halloween this year was so much fun! From the moment we woke up in the morning, we did nothing but Halloween! We woke up, got Kaya all ready in her Wicked Witch of the East (Elphaba) Costume, then we headed over to Greg's work for some trick or treating. I didn't get any pictures, but it was so fun. They had games and candy galore! Everyone told her how pretty she was (She said...Mom! I'm not supposed to be pretty, I'm supposed to be scary!). After we left Greg's office, I took her to school where she had a Halloween party in her classroom. During school, Me, Leslie and Ashley got ready. As soon as Kaya was off the bus...we ate some pizza then headed to the Trunk Or Treat at the ward! Filled our bags up with candy and then went REAL Trick or Treating. We ended at Leslie's house where Mimi and Papa were waiting to give all the kids their treat! Kaya got a La La Loopsy doll (her fav's at the moment)! Thanks Mimi and Papa for always making things so fun!! Then Kaya headed out with her Dad for some more trick or treating and a  little party. I talked to her on the phone last night after all the trick or treating and she was TIRED! I don't even think the massive amounts of candy that she got could have revived her last night!! Such a fun night with the family.

My costume was a last minute thing, but it was a huge hit! It was super easy to do..and sufficiently scared many people. This is the first year I have dressed up in a long time.. Kaya loved it so much that it looks like it won't be my last.

Cute little Max is an Astronaut 

Kaya and her cousin Stella, The Queen of Hearts

The Wicked Witch with creepy Mom

I did the makeup for my sisters Zombie attack

Creepy Mom with her cute kids! hahah