Dear Santa, I can explain...

I have turned into the Grinch today. I had the Christmas spirit...I really did. Unfortunately, I think I lost it today (in more ways than one). You might as well just keep the presents cause I think I've been pretty naughty.

Grandma talked me into taking her to Provo to see Erick and I figured I could do a bit of last minute shopping while I was there. Not such a bad idea...but, I know better than to shop on Christmas Eve for the ONE thing I haven't been able to find...(and we probably could have lived without it, but I have talked myself into believing that our trip will be ruined if I don't have it...I am such a compounder...)

Well, long story short, I had a flat tire, people were rude at the stores, and every time I opened my mouth something negative came out. I just hate it when I act like that. In a way it makes me happy that Hannah is at her dad's house and not seeing me act like a total jerk. I miss her so much!!! I am so excited for her to come home in the morning! Do you think her dad will think I am nuts if I am parked in the driveway at 6 am?


Anyway, I will still wish you all a very Merry Christmas. I wish you the best and hope your holidays are filled with fun memories, good friends, family (that is nice to each other!) and yummy food. I especially send these wishes to those of you far away or alone this year. Even though I am a total grump today, I am still thinking of you and love you all.

MyFaceLOL...the Duke boys

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FInals...one down, three to go.

Well, I guess the worst is behind me. I took my math final at 7am today. (Who in the world schedules a final at 7am...had to be a man...lol) Well, good news is that it is over and bad news is I didn't do well. I obviously don't know my grade, but I am praying I passed. Oh, well, life goes on.

Tomorrow will finish up the finals for the semester...I'm nervous as hell but excited at the same time. Imagine that. Can you say "emotional wreck"?

So, there it is...I'll try and update this weekend once the shock and caffeine has worn off for finals week.

Christmas blessings...

I know, I know, I just can't stay off the dang computer when I should be studying...So in my defense, I do have something very important to say...and this is the only way to publicly thank the anonymous person who has blessed my life...

On the evening of December 9th, a prayer was answered and a very special gift was left for Hannah and I. Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for your generous gift. I wish I knew who to thank, but unfortunately, there was no name signed to the card. Anyway, without getting all mushy and crying again, I just want to sincerely thank you, whoever you are. You have been an instrument in God's hands, and I will cherish this memory forever.
Love, Sarah

(This has absolutely nothing to do with the above post, but I read this today and loved it. Enjoy.)

"I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go. Things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right. You believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no-one but yourself, and sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together."
Marilyn Monroe

Heads up...

Next week is finals for me! Holy cow, this semester has flown by! So a heads up to those of you who are actually interested in this blog and my daily happenings...I will tell you right now that there will be no posting, just some major studying going on around here! Pray for me, people!!!
Love ya all,
Sarah

Dancing and singing

Just a little update on my little Hannah. She has been very busy dancing and singing these past few weeks, and I just wanted to show her off for a minute.
Hannah had a dance recital on Saturday. Her dance class preforms at Swiss Christmas in Midway every year. (This is her 4th year of ballet) It is quite a hectic time, but the girls did an amazing job and were so adorable.
Miss Hannah did not want me to take her picture. I think she was a little tired from being out so late at Temple square the night before.

Hannah dancing with their little snowballs. Sorry there aren't more photos or video...I am technically challenged at the moment.

Today, Hannah's music class did a Christmas concert for the residents of the local care center. They did such a great job (and Hannah even did a little solo!).



Hannah and Susan right after the performance at the care center.

They danced all the way to the car!

A visit to Temple Square.

Last night we took a little trip to Salt Lake to see the lights at Temple Square. We ran into a few friends from Heber while we were there, so that made it kind of fun! (Hi Caren!) Hannah complained everytime I asked her to take a picture, but for some reason she really wanted a picture with this statue.


My very favorite part of visiting the visitor center is enjoying the beauty of the Christus. It was a little chaotic with all of the people there, but still such an amazing spirit when you sit back and enjoy it.


The Salt Lake Temple


As if the Temple itself wasn't beautiful enough, add the lights in for pure delight.


This is Hannah and her new bud Mike. They had a great time harassing each other. I don't know what she enjoyed more...the piggyback rides or just having someone to tease.


Randy and Mike.


A little group shot before we headed home. Figured I needed to get on the other side of the camera for a change.

Family Pictures

I hate having my picture taken. There. I've said it. And trying to hunt down 2 outfits that kind-of match so we don't look like a couple of dorks was quite the event. So why on earth I would pay someone to take pictures of me and Hannah is beyond me. Anyway, have a good laugh!

Hannah looking at me like I am a big dork.

A fun little ride.

I love this picture...we were headed back to the car and I started to pinch her cute little bum...that explains the face a little better.

The Duke Girls.