Weekend bliss

So I didn't have to work on Saturday due to working the holiday which meant i got to be home when Barrett and Holly came over with Monroe. The above picture is MOnroe hanging on to Dad's finger.
Monroe hanging out with Grandma.

A big yawn!

I think she was getting a little tired of the Auntarazzi in this picture. I couldn't help it though she is just so cute and absolutely perfect!

Mommy and Daddy bundling her up!

We had a last minute dump-everything-on-Jessica week in primary--Blah! Our presidency members minus myself were gone that week and our chorister was also gone. The person in charge of sharing time apparently had more important things haha SOOOOO I got to take the whole sharing and singing time. We had 12 kids and thank goodness for good teachers. Saturday night I decided we were going to acknowledge Joseph Smith's birthday (Dec 23). We followed a timeline of his life while shaking a jar to make butter (we were successful by the way!) We also made little covered wagons tha the kids seemed to enjoy (pictured below) All in all it was just a fun primary day!

I tried on my MBT shoes I got for Christmas for my mission to see what they would look like with a skirt. The actually weren't too bad!

This was actually at the hospital Christmas eve.

It was Holly's birthday the 27th so we all had Sunday dinner at their house where they made tacos—they were yummy! We watched the movie Land of the Lost.

They also got their canvas from Jordan. Jordan painted this picture of them—isn't it gorgeous! This picture is missing the finishing touches that Jordan added but at least you get the just of his work. Thanks Holly and Barrett for inviting us over!

An eventful season for the Vaughan family

Congrats to Jordan and Roni! They made their engagement official this week!
Christmas Eve I got to leave work early due to the low patient census. Jake and I headed to the traditional family dinner at Jeff and Katie's to find out that everybody already left. We ate dinner and headed up to the hospital so Jake could meet Monroe.
Isn't she just beautiful!
Poor Holly was pretty tired when we came up. I had come up earlier that night and visited with her while she was feeding Monroe. She is a good mom and so loving! This picture also cracks me up because as you can see Barrett kept drinking Holly's water.
Merry Christmas! My Christmas was pretty good! I got to spend the morning with my family as we opened gifts (mine were mostly mission related which is great!)
Look at this face! Tristen and Aunt Jessica were having lots of fun playing on Christmas day.
Aren't these socks the cutest! They look like the adult pairs you buy in the store.
As you can see there was chocolate in the stockings.
Tristen was our little garbage man as he carried around a bag and gathered the wrapping paper.
Dad and MOm got Tristen this little, well big lion. Tristen wasn't quite sure how he felt about it at first.
Benjamin had his leg up on Grandpa like the above picture. Grandpa looked down and Benjamin's hairy legs and Benjamin made a comment about, "you know you like it." It was funny.

I left our house and then headed to Grandma Carole's for a short while before work where I got to see the family but also see Little Karsin who isn't so little! He is also quite the cutie!

Dad put this label on a giant jar of jelly bellies. The joke behind this is that Grandma bought a jar of jelly bellies this size before. That same night Benjamin found them at her house and took them home where he ended up eating the jar so she didn't even get any. Also this container of jelly bellies hasn't left our house yet. I saw it in the living room tonight. Haha.
Some of the neat gifts I got were meant for my future home. Esther made this beautiful cross stitch for me. She has it displayed in her home and I love it. It shows how even Santa Claus knows the reason we celebrate Christmas. Helps to keep things in perspective.
Mom and Aunt Katie have the willow creek nativity sets. I have mentioned to Jake that when I have my own family I want a nativity set for my family to enjoy. This year he bought me my first nativity set. It is pretty large and I love it. I am told Grandma Carole helped pick it out so thank you! I was surprised to not have seen this set before but I really do like it and look forward to displaying it in my home with my family!
This year I made my Christmas presents for the girls. What a pain! HAHA. I started making it and everybody that was supposed to get it would get interested in what I was making and I would have to postpone it some more. Thankfully Benny sacrificed some sleep in helping me to cut paper so I could get them all done in time. Sorry to the aunts and cousins because I didn't get that far. They are little perpetual birthday books!
Baby Monroe in her Christmas present outfit from Aunt Jessica. She was definitely my favorite of Christmas presents!

Gingerbread houses, Christmas trees and a new baby!

We finally watched the Proposal. Jake, Nick, and I all watched it. Jake and I also made our traditional gingerbread house. I left it up to Jake to decide who we deliver it to this year.

Tristen loved it over at Aunt Katie's house. He could discover the Christmas tree. His eyes were sparkling as he tried to take in all of the lights and balls on the tree. I was showing him some of the ornaments while my brother was being a scrooge and trying to ruin the fun. I love watching children discover the magic of a Christmas tree. Of course it would have been a perfect kodak moment and I left my camera at home. Thank goodness for cell phone pics.

She finally made it! My beautiful niece Monroe Grace was born December 23 around 7:20 something in the evening. She was 19.75 inches long and weighed 7 lb 1oz. I was at work so when I took my break I got to come visit her. She is such a doll and such a sweet baby. I just love her! Her face is absolutely perfect. I am so happy to finally meet her! Barrett is definitely a proud daddy! He just beams at her. Holly is such a beautiful mom. She is so loving and attentive with Monroe. The two of them are also very good at sharing her with the rest of us!

This was the text message I got at work. I asked Barrett what it felt like to be a daddy and he responded with this text message.
Here is the little observer herself!
I was there to watch her get her footprints done as well as her bath. I am so glad I brought my camera!
She loved the warm water in the bath.

Bah Humbug!

Jake and I went to A Christmas Carol in 3-D. I enjoyed it! We were the only ones in the theater.
Jake was in a really goofy mood that day. He wouldn't sit still for very long that is for sure haha.
Here he is getting all comfy with his soda, candy, and "footrest"
Here we are in our stylish 3-D glasses. This movie cost us $25! Ridiculous!
Like I mentioned before somebody was in a really goofy mood. After the movie I stopped to use the restroom. The door opened again behind me. I turned to see who had come in being there was NOBODY at the theater and it was Jake! I started laughing and was telling him to get out and to find the men's restroom but he already occupied a stall. What a dork.

Shirt vs no shirt

Okay so Jake and I went to the New Moon movie the end of November. It ended up starting almost two hours after we were scheduled to watch it. During the previews the movie Remember Me played. Robert Pattinson also stars in that movie. A little kid ahead of us was all impressed, "Mom that guy could be Edward's twin!" While watching the movie there is a part where Bella wrecks her dirt bike and Jacob rips off his shirt to give to her for the blood on her forehead. Jake said, "Man any excuse to take off his shirt." Later on in the movie Bella looks out her window and sees Jacob outside her house, once again without a shirt. Jake said under his breath, "Put a shirt on you fag." However this guy that was in the back row of the theater yelled, "PUT ON A FREAKING SHIRT!" Haha. Talk about jealousy in that theater haha. I was telling him the director probably did it because the guy had to pack on a lot of muscle. I meant to say that he had to put on 35lbs of muscle but instead I said, "Jake he has 35 muscles!" Jake didn't even miss a beat. He said, "35 muscles huh? Well I can see you were counting them." It was funny. Jake's cousin has a poster of the shirtless Taylor Lautner and Jake was complaining about how he has to look at this guy everyday. I made him his own poster.
Mom and Dad went to Reno for the weekend because Benny ran in Nationals this year (woot woot!) Well it was below zero and we didn't have any wood chopped. I tried but was not successful at all. I had talked to Jake earlier that day and had invited him to go out to dinner with the grandparents, Jarom, and I but he already promised to be at a birthday party for his cousin. I had told him that i was not looking forward to coming home to try and chop wood in the dark, but that i had to do it because we wouldn't have any heat in the house otherwise. He told me to have Jarom help me. Well Jarom and I joined Grandma and Grandpa for dinner and had a great time. We came home to a roaring fire and a bunch of stacked and chopped wood next to the woodstove. Jake had snuck over before the birthday party and chopped it for us and brought it in as well. What a sweetheart!

December already?

I cannot believe how fast these months fly by! I didn't really ever get to post in November even though I had a thankful thing for each day. So although it is late here is my gratitude list for all the days:

1. I AM THANKFUL FOR ADORABLE BABIES AND FAMILY. Tonight I got to spend some time with Tristen. He is such a bundle of sheer cuteness and he let me take some pictures of him and played a little. Very grateful for the moments he lets me share with him especially now.
2. I AM THANKFUL TO HAVE MY JOB. It has been pretty stressful and lately pretty exhausting but I am thankful to have the security of knowing my job is there. I am reassured that there will always be ignorant, careless people who will get hurt and will need medical help. It is job security for me!
3. I AM THANKFUL FOR AMAZING FRIENDS. Today was a tough day for several reasons. It was a significant day but it was also that day I had hoped to take out my endowments. However due to not getting my call yet it was canceled. I had many friends who called and texted just to brighten my day today and I appreciated their thoughtfulness.
4. I AM THANKFUL FOR HONEST PEOPLE. There is just something about being able to trust somebody completely and know they have their integrity no matter how terrible the news may be. It is something I value very greatly in other people. Things would be a lot different if everybody was honest with one another. It is unfortunate that so many are not.
5. i AM THANKFUL FOR THE FALL SEASON. Fall is my favorite time of year. It is beautiful! I love the smells, the memories, and the colors! This year i was worried with the snow that we would be skipping fall altogether but I am glad to see we get to enjoy it this year as well.
6. I AM THANKFUL FOR QUOTES THAT JUST SEEM TO FIT IN OUR LIFE. Tonight was a tough night. However when I was in my room going through some stuff I found a quote by Marilyn Monroe that made me smile because it just seemed to be perfect for the evening. "I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
7. I AM THANKFUL FOR SORRYS AND FORGIVENESS. I am so thankful that we are able to fix our mistakes. That we have the opportunity to erase the events of a bad night with a sincere apology. I am also grateful for those who can put their pride aside to say they are sorry even when they weren't in the wrong just to ease the tension.
8. I AM THANKFUL FOR GOOD MOVIES AND CHICK FLICKS. P.S. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DANNY! As I had stated above it hasn't been the most fun couple of days. Tonight I watched Bride Wars and I loved it. I love how a good movie can make you completely change your attitude and help you to forget a fight you had or an event that occurred. I just love movies that make you laugh and feel good.
9 I AM THANKFUL MY PARENTS TAUGHT US HOW TO WORK. My dad always told us, "It is not summer vacation it is break. It is not spring vacation it is break. You are not on vacation you are on break." In otherwords if you had a day off of school think again if you think it is going to be relaxing. Whether it was cleaning, leveling out the yard for sod that never grew, replumbing the downstairs to reroute the plumbing to the new bathroom site, cutting sheetrock, reframing new rooms, etc. We all got to enjoy helping. My least favorite was leveling out the yard. Infact I remember making a comment that it was hardwork. My dad responded by telling me that yeah it was hard but it was work that had to be done. That stuck with me. I am grateful we were taught how to work. It was something I took for granted until I had to work and learned the work ethic of others, and am ever so grateful that we were taught right.
10. I AM THANKFUL I WAS BLESSED WITH SUCH GOOD HERITAGE. Tonight I am especially grateful for my Auntie Pearl. She sounds like quite the lady. I have never met her except when i was first born but I love to hear her stories. Grandma always speaks kindly of Auntie Pearl and I learned she is the closest sister missionary to me in my family. She was a charitable woman especially towards the missionary work of the church.
11. I AM LEARNING TO BE MORE AND MORE THANKFUL FOR THE MILITARY. Happy Veteran's day. I am very grateful for those who have brought freedom to the country and have made so many sacrifices for all of us. However this year I am also grateful for the spouses and families of those men and women who gave up so much for all of us. Sometimes i don't think they get enough credit themselves and they have also paid a big sacrifice to us as well.
12. I AM THANKFUL FOR PRESIDENT HINCKLEY. I know President Monson is our prophet today but today I read a quote from President Hinckley and it made me miss him. What an incredible prophet! He guided me through my teen years and I still remember his six b's talk when I was 12. He had such a respect for all women and tried to make us understand how important we are as daughters of God. He had a fun sense of humor and his testimony was always so beautiful. I loved to listen to him as his words poured out with so much love. What a dear man and an honor it was to have him to guide us.
13. I AM THANKFUL FOR GOOD FAMILY TIMES. We went to Banff tonight and I am just always so grateful for the times we get to share as a family. I love my family dearly and am so grateful to have the relationships with them that I do.
14. I AM THANKFUL FOR MY TESTIMONY. I had a dear friend this last year ask me concerning my beliefs, "If you were the only one fighting for what you knew to be right would you lose confidence and want to give up?" I answered this person with a definite no. I know what I believe in. My testimony isn't based on what my neighbor thinks. I feel it is a partnership with God in that case. He is the mentor in teaching what is right and when you know and you gain that witness, then you know. I just feel blessed that I was able to decide for myself what I believe in because it really is a strength and a guideline with my life.
15. I AM THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO SERVE DILIGENTLY IN THEIR CALLINGS. When one person serves diligently it makes all the difference and when one slacks off it also makes a noticeable difference in how things run. I am grateful for those who are responsible and reliable.
16 I AM THANKFUL TO BE SO CLOSE TO GRANDPARENTS. I have both sides of grandparents in the same town and i think i am a very lucky girl. I love to visit and hear their stories. Those visits are times I will always cherish.
17. I AM THANKFUL FOR SUNDAY DINNERS. I am thankful to be able to visit with all the family every other week and although it gets very loud on Sundays I am so grateful to have my family so close knit with one another.
18 I AM THANKFUL FOR GOOD HEALTHCARE. Tonight I was talking with some of the nurses I work with and hearing the different procedures they practiced. I am amazed people survived with the lack of sterilization and cleanliness. I am grateful for the technology and the education that is available that we are able to have the surgeries and help we need to remain healthy.
19. I AM GRATEFUL FOR PEOPLE THAT COME INTO OUR LIVES AND INSPIRE US. I love the feeling when I meet somebody and I come away a better person having met them. I thought of some of the patients I have taken care during my time in the hospital and there is still one woman who will always be a favorite!
20. I AM THANKFUL THAT I KNOW MY FAMILY HISTORY AND HAVE A DESIRE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT. It isn't just a Mormon thing. It was something I took for granted I think but recently while trying to get a friends geneology put together and not having much cooperation with the only living sources of that line, makes it very frustrating. I am grateful for those who know their family lines and their ancestors. i have many great ancestors and I am so proud of them as I hope they will be of me. I look forward to meeting them someday.
21. I AM THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO TAKE THE TIME TO MAKE SURE I AM SAFE. Last night Jarom volunteered to go to Walmart with me as it was after midnight and there are weirdos out then. He was a sweetheart to be my protector. My family is also very good at calling to make sure we are okay. I remember this one time I called Mom to tell her i was working late. She called back and asked me if I was telling the truth or was that just what my kidnapper told me to say. Haha! I am also grateful for Jacob Dean who never misses a day. He will stay up sometimes very late to call and make sure I made it home okay after work. I am always grateful for his kindness there.
22. I AM THANKFUL FOR PRIMARY. Primary program was today. They did wonderful. Landon and his mom sang a song that made you tear up for sure. I was so proud of him. I was proud of all the children for their beautiful singing voices and their sweet spirits! I am going to miss them but they have surely brought some fun memories into my life!
23. I AM THANKFUL FOR SUNDAYS. Sundays are my only day off work and I have grown to love them. It is always nice to have a quiet day and that is what Sundays are.
24 I AM THANKFUL FOR MORALS AND STANDARDS. I am so disgusted with the generations of today. The "You owe me", free sex, lazy, uneducated, overly opinionated generations. Haha. Sometimes I wonder if society could really shock us anymore or if the standards could get any lower. Then I learn I have spoken too soon. I am thankful my parents taught me good morals and standards and also instilled the confidence to stand my ground. I am also grateful for other people around me have strong values.
25. I AM THANKFUL I WILL GET TO SPEND THIS THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY WEEKEND WITH MY FAMILY. I am grateful for those who worked with me so that i could have the weekend off and spend it with my family on Mom's side. Ihave missed them the last couple years and I look forward to seeing them.
26 I AM THANKFUL FOR THE SCHAAK, IKARD, LAMONT, STROM, AND KELLY FAMILY. I had a nice surprise today at work as Jake showed up all dressed up with a plate of turkey dinner. My family is in Billings already so I didn't have a Thanksgiving dinner and due to my work schedule I couldn't go to his family's so instead he surprised me with food! He also brought a piece of pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream--my favorite and a camera so I could scrapbook the event! I am thanking all the family because I am sure all of them pitched in to make the delicious food! thanks you guys! love ya!
27. I AM THANKFUL FOR PEOPLE WHO GIVE REAL HUGS. I love hugs--well unless they are unwanted or coming from some creepy guy. However from family I am always receptive. Today I have learned that some people don't know how to give hugs. Half hugs (one armed) do not count and nor do lazy hugs (the ones where there is no return of the embrace) also the suffocating hugs or the ones where they act like you are contagious if they touch you don't cut it either. Sometimes I give hugs because I need one too. However I have also learned throughout the years that if you need a good hug there is always one waiting for you from my mom, Jacob Dean, and my brother Jordan. Those guys give the best hugs!
28. I AM THANKFUL FOR A GOOD CAR. The prius has been a great car for me. I am so grateful I can do my trips and not have to worry about not making it. It is so nice to have a reliable car!
29. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE CRAZY MEMORIES. I had a great time in Billings and I loved shopping on Black Friday. It definitely brought good times to my memory! Love you guys! Benny joined us this year and he was funny!
30. I AM THANKFUL FOR THE MARRIED COUPLES THAT PORTRAY THE EXISTENCE OF TRUE LOVE. Sometimes it is so nice to know a man and a woman can really love eachother for years! Marriage seems to be degraded and lose its importance more and more. Instead of being something sacred it has been seen as a burden. I am so sick of hearing people talk about how horrible their spouse is or how their life has ended when they said I do and blah blah blah. If it is that bad why did you marry them in the first place? Anyway I love seeing the couples who have been married for many years and they still love eachother. My patients sometimes show me that true love really does exist. I love watching my elderly patients walking in the hall hand in hand. Or seeing them give eachother a kiss because the one who is a patient has made progress. The other day I had a patient who has been with his wife over forty years. He was holding her hand and just looking at her. She asked him what and he said, "I just want to hold you my sweetheart." It was so adorable! I just love it!