family photos

Amanda, you are amazing.

We had to play ring-around-the-rosie to keep Taye happy.

the holidays in warm arizona

I know, I know. It's about time, right? Well, in my defense I was waiting for some decent pictures to be sent my way since I am too lazy to take them myself (which is why I have no pictures with the McKinnon's. Awful!)

My Birthday

I made sure that Tyler and I drove down the 18th so I could be with family for my birthday. My mom took me shopping for clothes...and aparently I have forgotten how to shop due to my current financial state. But somehow I spent the money. Thanks mom and dad!

Not sure why, but I am the only person I have witnessed wear this hat. But yet every year my mom assures me everyone will have to on their birthday. Somehow I doubt that actually happens.

It was a wonderful birthday filled with family and being 24. Tyler suprised me with a red dress I had been coveting. They were sold out in Utah so I thought it was hopeless. Just one more reason why Arizona is more awesome. Thanks Tyler!!

Taye's Knit Dress

This is the first article of clothing I knit. I almost didn't give it to Taye Lynn because I wasn't too impressed with it, but my mom made me. It looks pretty cute on her.

Gingerbread House Making

Tyler's Masterpiece: He is so precise and creative. My Aunt made him make one. And I am glad she did so I can feel intimidated by his structural abilities.

Here is my mom's, cute as always:

Sydney made a double wide traylor:

My favorite part was the dish:

And mine...

I think it's safe to say I digressed from last years:

Christmas Day

The long awaited food processor:

Notorious:

Aaron was a little confused. I think he though it was going to be AC/DC.

My parents got Ty, Alyse and Aaron bowling gear.

The aghan:

Taye's traveling Monkey from Tyler and I:

Playing in the front yard. Taye is wearing her new Foofa! sweater she got from Uncle Aaron. Notice there is no snow on the ground. I miss that.

We spent the afternoon at Cara's and had our white elephant gift exchange. It was a success, just ask Tilleea:

The Elmer Fudd hat was a hit:

Then we went and spent time with Tyler's family...no pictures..again. But I can tell you we had a grand time and ate yummy food!

The Hill's hope you had a dreamy Christmas!

and yes, christmas presents were mandatory for the men.

Ingrid Scarflet

This one I made for Ingrid.

I took what I learned from the Rickenbacker Scarf and revised it quite a bit.

The yarn was really soft and fun to knit with.

I did a contrasting color for the ruffle.

This is how you are supposed to wear it.

I know, my photography skills are off the hook.

Keep in mind that it looks a lot better with a sweater or jacket, not a thin t-shirt.

rickenbacker scarf

I originally made this for the boss for Christmas.

But when I finished it I decided it was too short.

It was my first attempt at a scarf. I learned some things.

1. Black is hard to knit detail with
2. Don't be lazy and quit knitting 2 feet early, not everyone is short
3. Be more particular with yarn choices
4. I learned how to do an invisible cast on


Oh, and I am awesome at taking pictures of myself. Right.
I need a model...Tyler has offered but he just won't do.
And I am not frowning, I think I am concentrating.

Not too fond of this scarf. It curls a lot even though I blocked it. Lame. I wear it so that I don't feel like I wasted hours of my life and brain power.

granny square afghan

Made especially for Tyson, Alyse and baby Taye.

I chose specific colors that are in there home.
And worked on it for a month (if you don't count the breathers).


I am proud to admit that I learned to crochet with this afghan. Consequently, all I can crochet is granny squares.


The reaction from the gift recipients was greatly appreciated.

Pattern found here. Although I changed it quite a bit.

is it just me, or is santa ginormous in this picture...

We leave tomorrow for AZ. Oh happy day! It will be a long drive full of knitting and audio books.

Due to all the fun things I will be doing over the next 9 days I may not make it back to the blogging world. Be prepared to hear a lot from me after Christmas though! I will have reports of my birthday fun, a haircut that is long overdue, Christmas parties and family pictures.

With that said, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

work christmas party

this is the only picture I could find of Michael...it's used on the website so people can click on it and see where he is speaking next.

This weekend was our corporate Christmas Party. It was so great! Here is how we spent the day Friday:

• We (all employees which is about 40 people) did a service scavenger hunt instead of working in the office. We over all donated 800 lbs of food to people in need and made 120 dolls for children in hospitals (try making 15 dolls as fast as you can, very difficult). We were so close to winning! The winners got paid time off. Generous boss.
• That night we enjoyed ourselves at the Christmas Party where we played don't forget the lyrics, a gingerbread house competition and a special message from Michael (the CEO).

I feel so blessed to work for the company I work for. I have honest, hard working bosses who are generous and understanding.

Michael gave a wonderful Christmas message about hope. There wasn't a dry eye in the house (okay, that's exaggerating...there wasn't a female dry eye in the house). He gave us a generous Christmas bonus and let us know how much he values his employees and wishes the best for us during hard times.

Just for kicks and giggles, here is a list of things the CEO and my dad have in common:

• They have both been my boss
• Both of their names are Michael
• Their signatures look the same
• Both generous
• Both thick skinned (you have to be to have that job)
• Both HOA Managers
• and here's the clincher...they have the same birthday!!!

I know! Totally crazy, right?

i can live again

Well, the Ward Christmas Party is over!! (Tyler and I are the Activities Co-Chair, in case you didn't know).

Let me tell you, planning a ward party when you have zero Christmas decorations or resources yourself is difficult and costly. But it all worked out.

We went with the Christmas Candyland theme. It was adorable. Do I have pictures to show you? No. Why you ask? Well, I cam prepared with camera and all, but when we got to the party at 5:45 (it started at 6, Tyler and I were late because we had the food) no one was there to help yet. So I was pretty frantic, this being my first ward party and all. Needless to say, any time I had on my hands was devoted to getting food ready...and we ended up running behind schedule, which was lovely.

Let me paint a pretty little picture for you. We had made lollipop garland with peppermint colored yarn and multicolored paper plates and straws. This garland went under the stage and around the majority of the room. There were 4 different "lands". The Peppermint Forest where Tyler had created what looked like Candycanes growing out of snowy patches of ground (It looked amazing!). Then there was the Gumdrop Mountains. We took large colored utility bags , stuffed them and covered them with snow. Those were the highlights of the decor in my opinion. The tables were cute too.

I am happy to report that people had a great time. We had some entertainment and delicious food. Not to mention the Gingerbread house contest. It was a blast. Four out of Twelve tables made something reflecting a Temple. There were some pretty impressive houses.

The best news of all? I can have a life outside of throwing a party now. I can clean my house, and bake Christmas goodies, and knit, and eat (we hardly ate anything Saturday).

Even better news? We leave for AZ Thursday. No more snow. No more cold. Just good times with friends and family and the warmth of my beloved home state.

Some exciting/lame news? The Bishop wants us to throw a party in January for our Ward Conference. He wants a Fiesta theme. We are thinking Mariachi Band...

another belmont experience

I am happy to report that cleaning inspections are dead until February. However, we are still feeling the angry effects from tenants when we send in Elsa, our cleaning lady.

I am a little hesitant to post this because I just realized the main subjects name will be revealed and I am too lazy to change it. Normally, I wouldn't think twice since 99% percent of you feel my same regards about the place and don't live here. However, I caught wind of a Belmont resident who likes my Belmont experiences (she's obviously one of the few who don't fit the stereotype. Good for you!). Hey--Belmont girl--you keep your mouth shut about this story, okay? I don't want to embarrass the kid anymore!! Promise? Okay, then. And thanks for reading my blog. Sorry I wasn't in that one time you came to tell me how cool I am. If I could turn back time (Cher). Okay. We are ready.

Ahem.

About a week ago I got a phone call from Joe. He was so polite and started to explain how the maintenance guy came and thanks for sending him and he was so nice, blah, blah, blah. Then things took a turn:

Joe: "So, about the re-inspection fee. Is that split between the three of us?"

Me: "No. Each tenant is charged individually."

Joe: "Okay, okay. No big deal. I am assuming we passed the re-inspection with flying colors because we never received notice otherwise."

**His place was filthy. Of the three tenants he was the cleanest but still not 100%.

Me: "Actually, you all failed and cleaners are going to be sent in."

Joe: "What!?! I never received a paper?"

Me: "It was left on your counter."

Joe: "Well, that's impossible because we spent hours and hours cleaning!!"

Me: "That may be so but it wasn't clean to our standards."

Joe (in a yelling tone): " That's bull #@*^!"

Me: "Hey--I refuse to talk to you if you are going to use that tone."

He apologized and we went on having a normal stupid conversation.

About 15 minutes later, someone walks in the office and says, "Which one of you is Lindsee?"

I thought to myself, "Great, here is another poor victim."

I turned and saw Joe. Dressed in his best (which is a thermal with a plaid blazer on top) and a charming little smile. He handed over these:

and a Sobe drink...

and this:

Lindsay, (we will forgive him for the misspelling...barely)

Sorry for not being the gentlemen I should have been.

My sincere apologies.

Warm Regards,

Joe


Honestly, it kind of took me back to the Joe LaFazia days--minus the reptile drawings and his intense crush on me. Must be the name.

If he would have brought me a Dr. Pepper all would be forgiven. But he didn't know. So I forgave him anyway.

Hey, people get stressed. And I was seriously shocked because he is normally super nice and gentlemen like.

If you averaged out the number of Belmont people who have flat our yelled at me or called me a "18-year old a**" it would be about 1 person every other week. Number of apologies I have received: 2

Thanks Joe and Brady (even though I am pretty sure he hates me again. You gotta pay your rent, man.)

to feel this way

Our ward Christmas party is on Saturday. I was up late last night assembling lollipop garland. My brain is full and any additional information might push me over the edge.

I checked the mail the other day and found myself jealous of this ridiculous man being able to enjoy something so simple.

A little dramatic for a recliner chair in my opinion, "Ahhhhhhhh. It's the chair I've been waiting for all my life."

Maybe I can feel this way again after Saturday.

p.s. I had a dream last night that I made a trip to the store in my mom's car (which was a Chevy Blazer in the coloring of our old Astro van, and Meg, it was one nnnnice Asssstro). I left it running accidently (which I shamefully did in real life the other day) and when I returned to the parking stall is was stolen. Sorry, Ma. Maybe there is some symbolism there relating to how my brain is feeling. Hmmmm.

oh christmas tree

Reasons why a tree wasn't going to happen this year:

• No $$$ for one
• No storage for one
• No ornaments in UT (we left our decor in AZ)
• No room for one

How to still have Christmas in our home without a tree?

• Transform our coat rack into a Christmas Tree

It's cheaper than a tree. It's smaller than a tree. Easy to store and it holds wrapping paper!! And yes, those are teacups weighing down the branches (if you want to call them that). We were going to use ornaments...but tea cups are fine. Maybe Santa will fill them this year (as Clint suggested).

My husband is a skilled creator. Check out the tree-like form! (we used wire hangers).

turkey lurkey loo, turkey lurkey gibble

note: None of these pictures were ones I actually took. They were all stolen from someone elses blog/camera. I get to excited to think about taking pictures.

We flew to AZ Wednesday night. I was certain that arriving at my mom's at 10:00 at night that little Taye wouldn't be there. And if she was, she definitely wouldn't be awake. I was wrong!

When we got out of the car they put Taye on the ground and she began to run towards us (assuming she saw Grandpa--he is her favorite). She stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Tyler and I. She is a little weary of strangers.

I immediately began crying. I don't know if it was because I missed my brother's daughter, if she was a symbol of how long I have been gone or what I have missed. But I cried and shocked everyone, except Tyler. Apparently I have been talking about my excitement of seeing Taye Lynn for 11 months now(that's how long we have lived in Utah).

Rumor has it she loves Cheeto's (so did I...and maybe every kid does but I prefer to imagine that our love for Cheeto's bonds us...so pretend you don't, or didn't..moving on) so the plan was for me to feed her Cheeto's while I was there to ensure my spot on the favorite list. Truth is, Cheeto's were not necessary. I can't claim to be a favorite, but she isn't scared of me anymore. She warmed up quickly that night and gave us quite a show.

She willingly showed us her Puppet Master dance where she moves her arms up and down and turns in circles. Or how she can count to 3 (it's adorable). Or how she can show you her eyes and her nose, one ear and then the other ear. She will let you smell her feet to see if they are stinky. High fives, and my two favorites: She will look at the dogs and shake her finger at them saying "mo, mo, mo, mo, mo" (meaning no, no). Apparently those dogs get in trouble often. Then the one that almost made me cry again, you say "Who loves Lindsee?" and she throws her hands up in the air and waives them as if to say "I do! I do!" (she will do it to any name you insert...but let's just ignore that fact).

She recognized Tyler and I from pictures! Good job, family!

Meet the new talking and walking Taye Lynn:

Grandpa, her favorite. But what's not to love? She walks around the house daying "Bampa?" looking for him. We are all a little jealous on the inside.

Here she is saying, "Word to my homies." Is that not the cutest little sweat-suit?

We played with Taye that night 'til late. She won't sleep when people are around. She's scared she will miss something. So if she's not going to sleep I am definitely not!

The next morning I made Caramel Apple Salad (and yes, you do want the recipe) and we headed over to the McKinnon's for Thanksgiving Dinner. I had no idea it was going to be the size it was. There were so many people! I got to meet Tyler's Grandparents for the first time. Tamara's dad is the nicest guy you will ever meet! They just returned home from there mission.

Alyse ~ I forgot to tell you! Tyler's Grandpa looked up your brother, found him and said Hi! That's all I know. Sorry there isn't more detail. But what a nice guy, huh?

Look at the grandkids! Aren't they cute?

Kadence, Kassidy, Kaylee, Anslie, Dallin, Trevor and Kylee

We sat with Ryan and Shiloh's cute little family where we shared funny stories of Kadence and her "dinner time tradition" (I can't get over how funny she is) and Kassidy nodding her head to everything except "Is Tyler your favorite Uncle?" It was too funny!

The food was delicious! Tamara, I am craving your rolls as we speak. You need to teach me over Christmas break how to make them!

That night, we headed over to my mom's and I got there just as the women were making the Christmas craft we always do. This year, blocks. Here are mine:

Don't I look joyful?

Sydney blew us all away with her blocks. She won.

A typical Thanksgiving scene at my house:

Papa Sug and Uncle Warren

And here is Rosson who was particiapting in No-Shave November:

The next day we (meaning the girls) went down town and had lunch at the infamous Mango's. Delish! Then Alyse and I went to Anthropologie where I nearly broke down in tears because there were so many things I wanted to pay a ridiculous price for!

We also went to Golfland with the McKinnon's, where I conviniently sat in a puddle on a bench. Hey-it was dark and ...dark. Needless to say, the remainder of the game was a little awkward. You know, because golfing involves calling attention to your backside as you lean over slightly to put. Not to mention the time everyone was done and waiting for me while I shyly putted over and over again. With wet butt and all, Tyler only beat me by 3!! Someday, Tyler. Someday. And Jessica ~ Tyler is still waiting for that picture :)

Almost every night ended with a Scrabble match between Aaron, Tyson, Tyler, me and the occasional Dad . My top score was 170-ish. Not bad. I have to say Tyler's vocab is broad. Words like Qi, ...word's I can't even remember. My Dad won the first night because Tyler accidently gave him the word "Lewd". And Aaron, probably because I was always going before him, never got set up for the triple word or double word spots. My bad, brother. He thinks up great words though, like Tyler. Tyson won the last night we played and asked if I could change his name in my phone to Scrabble Champ. You just wait until Christmas, Ty. Just one question, "Is Boatmeal a word?".

On Sunday I was able to sing in my old dear Fairfield ward. It was so needed for me. I loved it. I enjoy seeing people I know while I am up there. There is now pressure or nerves because they all know me. I could mess up miserably and they wouldn't care. Not to mention Kay Bradshaw at the piano is a dream. We are a musical match made in heaven.

We got to eat Turkey Gumbo on Sunday!!! It was amazing.

Back to the airport to find that our flight was delayed and...Bekah! She was on the same flight as us. She sat by a stinky guy.

All in all, it was a dream trip come true! I was so worried about sharing families but it worked out well! I miss you family! See you in a few weeks!