Our Wintery Break

This is the first year since Jon and I have been together that we haven't spent at least part of our holiday in Newport. We missed the warm weather and our extended family, but we had a great time back here. The Henriksen's gave us a skiing/snowmobiling trip to a cabin at a resort in the mountains. It snowed the entire time we were there, so there was a lot of fresh snow for us to have fun in. We were busy doing every snow activity we could think of, and then warming up inside this beautiful cabin. There were enough rooms for all of us... thanks mom and dad!

to one amazing man

Papa Hanks. We wouldn't be who we are without his sweet and steady influence for good in our lives. He loves us quietly and unconditionally. We are proud that he is ours and thank him for the many years and hours of support that he has given us. I took this picture on the beach in Mexico this summer...after an intense game of soccer with the grandkids.

We are mourning with the news that he has been diagnosed with stomach cancer. It has spread and there is no treatment available. We have to say goodbye, very soon, to the sweetest man we have ever known. This Christmas season we are dedicating to his support and his example of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Words can't describe the ache we feel at the thought of losing you. Thanks Grandpa for your beautiful life and your Christlike love. "We love you forever, like you for always, as long as you're willing, your grandkids we'll be."

Giving Thanks

Lindsey tagged me... I have to write ten things I am thankful for:
(in no particular order)
1. america
2. chocolate
3. cafe rio and bajio
4. the beach
5. sunshine
6. president hinckley
7. my bed
8. sweats
9. my beautiful family
10. and most of all, my JJ
Thanks for making me grateful Linds! Happy Thanksgiving.
I now tag: Rachel H, Michelle, Juli, Katie, and Rachel B.

Brian Kershisnik

This weekend I got the opportunity to paint with the artist, Brian Kershisnik. I went down to his studio in Kanosh, Utah with my teacher, Fidalis, and another student, Milko. Andrew Ballsteadt, my neighbor and thriving artist, met us there Thursday afternoon. It was an amazing opportunity for me to work with an artist who is making a good living selling his art. His studio was so great. We worked hard stretching canvas, glazing paintings, painting paintings, and preparing surfaces. We were preparing for his show that will be in New York City in a few months. We didn't finish working until 10pm and I was exhausted. The next morning we were at it again, until 5:30pm when we left to come back to Provo. I learned so much from Brian and I am excited to use what I learned to help me prepare for my final show in March.

Halloween and Birthday

Last weekend Jon and I had a blast. We got to celebrate my 22nd birthday with our families and our friends. Mom took me shopping on the morning of my birthday while Jon took a midterm. Thursday night we had dinner with the Crosby's and the Henriksen's at Thanksgiving point. It was so fun to get together with everyone. Friday was the day that Jon planned for my birthday celebrations with just the two of us. We went to the Salt Lake Temple and did our first session at that temple... it was beautiful! We had dinner at a little Italian restaurant downtown and headed up to the U to watch Thriller. It was such a fun day that we spent together! Saturday was a Halloween party at Jen's with my friends from high school. That was definitely the best Halloween party I've been to in a long time! Jon and I were pirates, of course, because of his recent obsession with everything to do with pirates (especially with his new acquisition of gold on his birthday). We had a fun weekend, but the fun continued on Monday. Monday night was the Crosby Halloween party and we got to dress up as pirates, yet again. What a fun weekend! Thanks everyone!

Check out my Slide Show!

The Wedding

Jon's sister, Jessica got married on my Mom's birthday, October 5th. It was a great day to see family and be with Adam and Jess in the temple. We loved hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa Alexander and Doni and Frank. They came over to see our apartment (they were large contributers to our beautiful furniture) and Jon fed them his favorite treat--JELLO. We loved having them here and miss them when we can't see them. Jess and Adam seemed pretty excited to be married, and they looked so great together. Jess is a beauty! We are so happy that they are married now... they are a fun couple. Jon just can't believe that his little sister actually got married... he is a proud brother.

After the wedding reception, we jumped in the car and drove straight to St. George to cheer Juli on in the marathon. She didn't know that we were coming and so it was fun to see her face when she realized we came. Matt and Becca were there with their darling little kids. I just love my nephews, Mitchell and Noah. They are absolutely the sweetest little boys I have ever met. I love my nieces too, Megs and Paige are growing up so fast! Leah wasn't there that weekend, but I missed her, she has such a cute little mini-Michelle personality. We love spending time with our families, they're our best friends.