Transformation

Yep. I needed Change. I am now blonde. I love it. Everyone should do something crazy every once in a while! It was so worth it.

A Whole New World

Literally. There is a Whole new world out there that I can see now, and I lOVE it! I got LASIK and it is soo fabulous. These are the most beautiful flowers that Alan bought me. And I can See them!:)

Aren't they beautiful?!

Aileen's visit. Bangs

Aileen came up for a visit and it was soo fun! Here are two of our favorite places: The art museum and the Museum of Science and Industry...

I got bangs. Then we got Pizza:)

Mmmm.... Giordano's

Bahahahaha!!! Look closely.

Christmas

We fly South for the Winter

Garrett's Popcorn...A "Must" if you are visiting Chicago. A "must-not" if it is 6 am at the airport! What can I say, though, I had to try it!

Christmas Eve bash with my bff and fam... Alan loved trying out the ole' Harley!

Ok-I Love this Pic! Doesn't he look like such a thug?! I hope it's not a sign of things to come:)

Check out Jacob's expression. Those toys were actually surprisingly amusing!

Jackson seemed to be a little more into it this year...It was so fun watching him open up all his gifts.

Priceless.. He dumped out the entire box, and when Rachelle told him he had to pick it up--I watched him start to eat it instead--one handful at a time. So funny!

Pack 3-5? or something like that

It's been a busy and wonderful week. On Friday, we had one of the most special and exciting days of our married life! We were set apart as Temple Ordinance Workers, and without going into too much detail, I was once again reminded of the Lord's watchful eye. He really is very aware of the smallest details in our lives, and I am so grateful and excited for this special opportunity. Before we got to the temple, Alan shared some other really exciting news with me--- He received an offer from Bank of America/Merrill Lynch to work in their trading offices. He will be able to learn about the market while working as a trade processor...This is the field he has been wanting to get into for a long time, and the exact kind of work he was looking for almost a year ago. Now, with no effort of his own, They call Him, and offer Him this great opportunity! So, in just a few weeks, Alan will move from the company he has been working for, over to, in his words: "Gold plated elevator doors." Haha.... Heavenly Father really watches out for us and I am so humbled by his many tender mercies. Yesterday I got LASIK--I will forever more be in awe of what 20/20 vision feels like... Alan has no idea the joy it brings me to be able to wake up in the morning and see what time the alarm clock says it is from my side of the bed! It was actually really painful trying to sleep last night, but the procedure itself wasn't too bad. ANyhow, that is a brief recap of our week. Now, here is a recap from December... Enjoy.

Our ward puts on an annual 'live pageant' and we were asked to be the innkeeper and wife for a night...The coldest night...We were freezing! It looks like one of the 3 Kings is trying to make a deal with my man! Maybe some myrrh?

These two are the cutest, most in-love couple you would ever meet! Our friends, Alex and Amy took turns with us in the cold as the InnKeeper and Wife.

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with some PA friends...

so...At some point we Are going to have to choose a team. But which one....

There is no place quite like Macy's at Christmas time. Every floor is emaculate in its design, and this Massive Christmas tree was nearly 3 stories high. It had an orchestra surrounding its base and was just gorgeous!

More Macy's...

That's right, all chocolate...cool, huh?

Our little tree at the start of our own little Christmas celebration.

I told Alan how I always wanted the 64 ct crayons with a sharpener on the box, but I never got it. It was such a surprise!

Alan's new fancy shoes for his new fancy job...

Alan got me a cricut (SO COOL!) and my Danskos. The striped socks are just sexy, I think.

Pack 2...More

I have an exam that begins in about 3 hours. So, naturally, I found this to be a more pressing task. I'm chipping away at the berg!

The stage ... we weren't supposed to take pictures, but you have GOT to see it!

I know you can't see me--it's the sign that's important

The holiday almond roca I made to bribe my professors with:)

My personal fave--mmm... Toffee. Too bad it was so hard when I made it at home. These were perfect! I'll owe you guys the good stuff.

My Thanksgiving apple pie. Perfect, if I say so myself

Oh sweet pumpkin pie.

We had Thanksgiving dinner with some friends from church--and they made this most amazing meal! It's a turduckan ( Duck inside a chicken inside a turkey. ) It was delicious! Doesn't it look divine?

More shots from Nauvoo. There was this charming little diner we ate at called "Grandpa Joe's Cafe." It was soooo good, homemade, and cheap!

We were only there briefly, but I got lots of great shots! It was freezing, and since we went during the 'off season' for tourism, our hotel upgraded us from a basic room to the King's Suite! We had a hot tub in our room, a fireplace, and a King size bed! I think the pioneers know how to do things right:)