Dear 2011,

I promise to,

Complain less, laugh more.

Not be so OCD about a certain couple of things. 

Be a better Visiting Teacher.

Train and complete some triathlons.

Be more patient with myself and others.

Sew some stuff.

Sincerely, 

Ruth

Happy New Year!

Note to self

Don't always assume a "rainstorm" in California means just a "sprinkle."

Kyle and I went on a somewhat spontaneous weekend trip to Disneyland for our anniversary. We knew it was going to rain a little but had no idea of it's severity.
It down poured! 

FYI- Disneyland + Rain = not so happiest place on earth. We ended up leaving around 3:00 p.m when the wind starting kicking in along with hundreds of other whining children with cold feet. Poor children. 

We tried to make the best of it though and ended up going to some other fun places besides Disneyland.

Rain, rain go away.

Here we are on Space Mountain. This ride just makes me giggle.

The next day we saw the ocean. It was beautiful.

The L.A. Temple. Also very beautiful.

Later, we went to the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, the Guinness World Record, and Wax Museum.

Some of these wax people were a little creepy because they looked so real.
Me on the Titanic.

Kyle wanted in on the action too. Oh dear.

Genie time.

All in all it was a fun trip! 

3 years ago today

I married this hunk right here...

And I'm so glad I did. Here is what I've learned about him the past 3 years that I kind of love about him...

* He can deep clean a bathroom like it's nobody's business.

* Forgives easily.

* Good decision maker and never "wishy- washy" about things.

* Looks good in a hat.

* Very smart but never makes me feel dumb (cuz I'm not nearly as smart as him:)

* Can figure out how to make anything, very handy.

* Walks around singing "Let it Snow" in the middle of July.

* Would do anything for his friends.

* Doesn't mind shopping and will go grocery shopping for me. (cuz I hate it)

*Offers to watch Wes while I go to the gym or just have some "me time"

*Eats whatever I cook him.

*Honest. Says it how it is.

*Works very hard and loves his family.

Happy three years Kyle!

We are so awesome:)

Walking and 11 months

Wes turned 11 months old last week and has been walking all over the place. He has recently learned how to run, but sometimes gets a little ahead of himself and totally biffs it. He is quite the dare devil. I can barely keep up with him.

He also had three new teeth come in this past week. Ouch:( Poor little guy. Happy 11 months Wes!

(Sorry I'm a week late)

True meaning of Christmas...

Today I received an email from a lady I taught in my mission. Her name is Claudia and I haven't heard from her in years! I'm am so thrilled to hear that she is still a strong member in the church.

This morning I was doing some Christmas shopping and feeling overall stressed from the holiday' hustle and bustle'. I adore Christmas, but sometimes I have a hard time with the holidays as I lose sight of what Christmas is really about. I find myself feeling greedy, ungrateful, wishing I could afford nicer things, stressing over what to buy people, worrying that they won't like it, being annoyed with others and their greediness, trying to be crafty and making my house look as festive as the next.  In reality I should feel the exact opposite, grateful, happy, and extremely blessed. 

Getting an email from Claudia took me back to her humble home and surroundings. It took me back to all the people I met who didn't have all the latest technologies, the fancy home decor, the trendy clothes, the car, or even a home with more than two rooms. It makes me sick to think of all I have and the ornery little stinker I can sometimes be, especially around the holidays. Claudia never cared about those things, she was happy anyway and she was SO thankful for things that mattered like her family, food, her health, and the gospel. I remember well the two Christmas's I spent on my mission.  They were so stress free and it wasn't hard to remember the true meaning of it. It's funny how when we have less we are more grateful than when we have a lot. I feel like I have to work to remember what is really important in the Christmas season. It's a time to serve and be grateful, and to remember our Savior. So I will try hard to do this. 

Super old picture here. Claudia. Isn't she just cute as a button? Making banana bread:)