a nice saunter down internet lane

In other words, too lazy to finish my work notes or get up and finish stuff done around the house!!

Sometimes I really shouldn't visit people's blogs. I don't mean any offense. Many blogs don't really show the whole picture, just the exciting or relevant parts. There's just too much comparison, greener grass on the other side. If they were more accurate portrayals there would would be more type-os and a realistic ratio of awkward pictures. Fortunately we don't have any of those in our family. (haha) But right now I feel happy to have spent the last hour on facebook and visiting some people's blogs. Some people I DON'T EVEN KNOW. Gasp!

Let me give you a slice of what I found:

I found food

Chocolate orange cheesecake

melting... watering mouth... eat

If scrumptulescent were ever not a real word I wouldn't care, I'd still use it!!!

I also found other treasures on Lizzy House's blog like her new line of fabric, castle peeps.

Serious Pie (seattle restaurant I've never been to) which actually made me excited for pizza fresh out of my brother christian's brick oven that he built this summer and I still have not been able to try!! I can't WAIT!

I found a recipe for mexican hot chocolate on this AMAZING blog that is a new favorite. Maybe we can enjoy this alongside the woodfire pizza and chocolate orange cheesecake when we're at home in a few days.

I found one of my dear missionary companions, Lorena Acevez. This was taken during the missionary days in Utah:



So many memories came flooding back. btw she's not that short. Just kind of short. Truly one of the funnest people you could possibly meet in your lifetime.

There were other fun things too. And some less exciting things.

Now i return to the real world. A nicely tailored slice from Thanksgiving day:

Gratitude

Last night, I came home from girls night to find our beloved new megalithic letter press in place on its stand and ready to be used! Evan already had a chance to clean off a few pieces of type from the boxes and boxes we've been given, and he made a copy of this for everyone who helped us move the 450 pound beast. It took a lot of time patience and ingenuity. He made brownies and poured sparkling cider to celebrate.


11x14 wood and metal type print on 100lb Mohawk Superfine off white paper

Evan also printed one especially for Victoria Simpson, byu-idaho book arts faculty and fairy godmother, who met us in our wildest dreams and GAVE the letter press to us.

So speaking of gratitude...

Evan and I were asked to share our thoughts on gratitude in church this coming Sunday. Evan's assignment is to speak about "gratitude to God" and mine is "gratitude to others". I should probably be more grateful than I am to speak in front of everyone.

I noticed that two of my cousins are doing a gratitude log for the month of November. I completely believe that gratitude is a muscle, and that gratitude is like a catalyst for joy, so I'm sure by the end of the month Stacey and Misty will be some the happiest people in existence. (and don't they say that if you do something for 21 days straight it becomes a habit/second nature?) Acknowledging a blessing is maybe the first step in it BEING a blessing to you.

Evan and I have been really trying to show more gratitude because the greatest influence genuine gratitude can have is probably in the home, among the people we interact with the most, are closest to, are irritated by the most, and ultimately love the most.

If anyone has a quote, scripture, or thought or reference of some kind on gratitude, I'd love to hear it! I'm going to need some help. I'd be ever so grateful :)

Too Yeers

I met Lindsay about three years ago, in the summer of ‘06. It’s weird to say that because it seems like a long time and a short time at the same time.

I can’t tell you how great this woman is. She is such a doer. I’ve watched her face so many challenges that were completely foreign to her and then conquer with such ease. More important to note, however, is how humble she is as she does so much good.

In her goodie bag of accomplishments, we find her internship to Ethiopia, she is an incredible cook (doubly impressive when you learn how new she is to the art), a Mission among the Spanish speaking people of Utah Valley, an ever expanding ability with some really great crafty stuff (have you seen her stamps? awesome), being the wonderful and supportive wife of an art student/perfectionist (that’s me!) and and so much more. Still of all the changes I’ve seen Lindsay pass through, the most impressive is her motherness (is that a word?).

Nina is super blessed. And I am blessed to get to watch this really great parent. Before Nina was born, Lindsay would sometimes express her fear that she wouldn’t be a good mother. I never doubted her ability, but I also had no idea how great she would be at it. Seriously.. she is a good mom... GOOD! She keeps on taking on new challenges and becoming more and more dynamic and amazing. I am so lucky to be able to witness her grace from day to day.

I am sometimes a little less expressive that I ought to be, and I know that I don’t thank her enough for being such an amazing friend. Lindsay really does know me more than anyone. And she really is my best friend. I married up for sure.

Today is our two-year anniversary. Two years!! That,s as long as my mission. Up until now, my mission was the best two years of my life. Now this past 2 takes the cake. the best part? Unlike a mission, which ends, this will never end. I love Lindsay so much. Happy anniversary lindsay!

Oh yeah.. Nina is 6 months today! (big day, I know)

Nina and Lindsay Sleeping

These are my babes. Anyone else see the resemblance?

Lindsay got lurnd!

Lindsay graduated with a Bachelors degree from BYU-Idaho this weekend. She majored in Sociology and earned a minor Economics. You rock wonder mom!


Lindsay and her parents.


Lindsay and her pit crew (although Nina slept through most of it)


The assembly

New photos of the nameless wonder (and lindsay)

Webisode 2, Nesting

So I have definitely been in a movie making mood. Enjoy.

Webisode 1, week 37

Thanks to Joe and Emily Davis for asking such good questions. We'll try to keep these coming.

I heart Lindsay

This is my amazing wife, Lindsay. She is so supportive and really is my best friend. She has a pure heart and holy smokes she is smart! She makes me want to be better. I am a super lucky man.

Lindsay doesn't like this picture too much, but I really do. I took this picture this morning right after I woke up.