Christmas Decorations

Once back in Logan on Saturday night I just had to set up my Christmas decorations. I absolutely love Christmas and I was just too excited to wait. I set up our little tree with the ornaments I had collected. My family had a tradition that every year we would get to pick an ornament so over the years I've collected enough to decorated my tree. It's a little eclectic but each ornament definitely has some memories. I also set up my beautiful willow tree nativity. Each year Ryan's mom gets me another addition for it and this year I got the back drop.



After I had all of that set up Ryan asks me if I want to get a wreath. He is so sweet to think of me and how much I love decorating so of course I say yes. After looking I don't see one that I like so I decided to make my own. I think it turned out nicely!

Thanksgiving 2010

This year we spent thanksgiving at the Calder's. We drove down Thursday morning (much to the disappointment of the family) and then joined in the preparations. Although there wasn't much left to do. The tables were decorated so beautifully and the food was delicious. After eating Ryan and I took plates of food over to Grandma and Grandpa Calder who weren't feeling well enough to come over for the feast. It was fun to sit and chat with them. Ryan also helped them reset their timer for their outside lights. Then we headed back for dessert and a movie. On Friday, Ryan and I did homework in the morning (yes I know it's vacation but we just have so much to do). That afternoon we ate lunch at Pizza Factory and then went to see Harry Potter 7 part 1. I thought it was alright, definitely much better than the 6th movie. Ryan's Aunt, Uncle and cousins joined us for the movie and took up a whole row (minus one seat)! Good thing we were the first ones in line. Saturday we helped them set up their Christmas tree and headed for home. It was such a great weekend and we loved being with family.

Blizzard

Today Utah received a blizzard warning from 3:00 pm today until 8:00 am tomorrow. So in honor on this storm USU closed campus starting at 2:00 pm today! I really lucked out I got out of my last class today which is my least favorite. EDL, where Ryan works, was also closing down so we were home by 2:00 pm today. It has been a long time since I was home this early during the week.

I amazed as I just watch the snow come down, and the wind blow outside. I'm glad my brother was able to leave early enough to beat the storm. I'm glad Ryan and I aren't leaving until tomorrow. I would be a nervous wreck if we were driving during this craziness!

Turkey Bowl Pictures

So the last post talked about the Turkey bowl but here are some pictures of the game in action!

Turkey Bowl

Today was the annual ninth ward turkey bowl. The Elder's quorum is in charge of it which meant Ryan. However, he used his new found skill of delegating and thanks to many people it was a success. The Elder's beat the High Priest in flag football this year and I know what you're thinking that the Elder's always should but in our ward the High Priest usually win. After the game we had a great pre-thanksgiving dinner. The Elder's quorum activities committee made a great turkey and everyone else brought great pot luck dishes. It was so fun to chat with friends. I was amazed at how many people came. It was definitely a success!

Happy Day

So despite the gloomy weather today, it has turned out to be a great day. First, after weeks of the NSF graduate research fellowship application weighing on our minds we finished it! After spending the past three days to write six pages of essay and recruiting many people to help edit them we finished them this morning. Hallelujah! They turned out really well and I'm so impressed with how much Ryan has accomplished during his time here at USU. Now we just have to wait until April to find out the results.

Second, I had this huge take home test for my biological systems modeling class this weekend. Because it was a test we could only ask our professor for help and boy did I need all the help I could get! However, after five visits to his office, around 15 hours of work, and 35 pages late I am FINISHED! Now I will be able to sleep again.

Another good thing is that my time conflict with my classes was resolved. I had been looking forward to taking tissue engineering since I first started my biological engineering degree and this spring semester I would finally have time to take it. However, the last class that I need for my chemistry minor was offered at the same time. Now there is an online version on the class but that cost an extra $681. Needless to say I was stressed out. But after talking to other students who had the same problem we approached the biological engineering department and got the time for tissue engineering changed! Now I can take both classes without paying extra money.

Lastly, Ryan and I slept in this morning! It has been so long since we had gotten a decent night's sleep. So extra sleep + three amazing little miracles today = Happy Day

Odds and Ends

Well it has been awhile since my last update but we have just been so busy with school and work. First off Ryan had a call back from NAVAIR so he will be flying out to interview with them in December or the first part of January. He also had a Performance and Design Review for his senior project which went well. The faculty in attendance were impressed with his presentation. My senior project group also presented our research at the IBE regional conference and our poster took first place. Also, it looks like I'm finally to a point in my research where I can start writing a journal article for publication.

Ryan and I were officially released from our primary callings a couple weeks ago and I must admit it has been quite the adjustment to be back in Sunday School and Relief Society. However, I do get a chance to go back on Sunday to teach sunbeams. It will definitely be a change from the 11 year old class that I'm used to.

On Monday, my grandpa had open heart surgery to replace a valve just like my mom did two years ago. On Sunday we drove down to Sandy to visit him and my parents who also came to visit. Luckily this surgery went better than my mom's and my grandpa should be able to come home today.