We went camping last summer. If you know me at all, you know that as a rule I am NOT a camper. Here are some pictures- proof that I can suck it up and spend a few days in dirt and grime.

We had a great Christmas. We spent Christmas Eve with John's parents and Christmas Day home alone as a family. John and I both had the day after Christmas off work, and we lazed about in our pajamas all day. I never once looked in a mirror or at the clock. It was wonderful!

It snowed all day both on Christmas and the day after. It was magic to be warm and toasty inside and to watch snow accumulate, knowing that for this one storm we didn't have to even think about shoveling.

I have been vacillating back and forth for a while now: To create a blog, or not to create. I have been content to lurk silently (and often) in the blogs of others, and I'm not entirely sure I want to publish my own comings and goings to the world.

The kicker? John informed me he doesn't want to move out of state after he graduates. I had dreams of adventures in Colorado, or of moving back to Seattle...I am still coming to grips with the fact that I will be a "U-tard" all my life. John's reasoning is sound, though, for wanting to stay. He wants to remain close to extended family. He wants our children to see that family is the most important thing in the world. He misses dinners with the cousins and enjoys Sunday dinners with my side of the family. He loves playing pool with his dad, and doesn't want to give that up. So, because I love John-- and because, believe it or not, he can be more stubborn than me--we are in Utah to stay.

That brings me back to the creation of a blog. We are SO busy right now, it is nearly impossible to stay connected to those we love. I feel like I still "know" a few cousins because of their blogs. Maybe it is time for you to become reacquainted with me!