Christmas the Carter Way

I really should be going to bed. My flight came in really late last night and I was up early for work this morning and yet I am drawn to the blog updating.

I guess I just wanted to provide a quick report on my short trip home for Christmas. I would have to say that I have only three regrets (or downsides) about the whole thing.

1. I regret not having more time to spend in Utah. I was sad when I was saying goodbye to my nephew Matt and letting him know I wouldn't see him again for awhile and his response was "what about New Years?" And it's true. I have not been away from my family for any New Years. This year will be weird. And along these same lines of regret, I regret that the time I had with Jacob and my family was so short.

2. Delayed flights are most definitely a downside. Not that there is anything I could do about it, but it stunk just the same.

3. I regret not having time to see more of my friends.

I also have several highlights...

1. The famous, and formerly exclusive, Carter talent show.

2. Homemade Christmas gifts, including slippers.

3. Games, games, and more games!

4. Food, food, and more food!

And...here are some pictures. It turns out I didn't take all that many photos. So, if you are interested in more incriminating photos you should check out my dad's blog.





Lauren enjoyed cleaning the beaters after making divinity.

This picture is just funny to me. Very funny.



Megan and Lauren loved the snow. Josh, Matt and Megan made a snow man on Christmas day.


It was the year of homemade gifts...and Scott and Mary Ann made these lovely, and comfy slippers for me.








Don't mess with D.

And for those of you who may have asked for it, here is a photo of the picture I painted for John and Megan. I was pleased with it overall...but shortly after taking this pictures something about the painting started bugging me. So I took it out of the frame and painted a little more on it before taking it to Utah and giving it away. I liked it a little better, but something is still not right with it. I get like that with things I make. I find something I don't like, generally something no one else would notice, and then it's all I can see. And that is why I am being a little cryptic about what bugged me because if I point it out that is all you will notice too.

A Change of Attitude

I am kind of a poorie.

For those unfamiliar with that term, it is frequently used by my family to describe a poor sport. A sore loser. Someone who can't play nicely with others.

And I am one of those today.

I am supposed to be leaving for Utah for my Christmas vacation and should be feeling all kinds of giddy. But, as much as I love the snow, I must admit that today it has done me wrong. My flight is already delayed and I wasn't scheduled to depart until 9:35 as it is. And I am definitely not happy about it.

Yep, I am a poorie. I need a change of attitude and I need it quick.

I guess I should take Jacob's advice and just be grateful I am still scheduled to fly at all. I should be appreciative that my flight hasn't been totally canceled. (Sorry about the game Jake).

I am excited about Christmas and look forward to the time with my family because they are amazing! And I am excited to introduce Jacob to them all. I am also excited that I won't be at work for the rest of the week.

Okay...this is helping a little.

And because I have been told posts without pictures don't get looked at, I will add the most recent of Jacob and I. We were downtown looking at the lights and saw that the city of Fort Collins apparently does not turn their fountain off. It's nicely frozen over. It was a frigid evening! But lovely just the same.

Enjoy! And thank you for joining me in my little pity party. I think I will be okay.

From Diana's Blog to My Blog

I saw this on D's blog and of course I loved it. I love lists and talking about myself. I can't help it, it's who I am.

Whats your Favorite brand of jeans?

Um...I don't know if I have a favorite. Anything I can get to fit right. My goal pair are silvers and I like 'em but I also like my Vanity jeans. They are comfy.

What is your favorite restaurant? What do you get there?

So many to choose from! I love the Bombay House in Provo and in Fort Collins I really like Sri Thai. But I don't think it's my favorite. I don't think I've found my favorite here yet.

What is your current favorite song?

I'm listening to Christmas music lately so I would probably have to say that I don't have a current favorite. But I have a current list of Christmas songs I hate most.

What's your "type"? Is that what you ended up with?

I'm not sure I've ended up with anyone yet. And I don't think I have a "type." Most of the people I have been interested in or dated have very little in common. But I do know that I am currently happy with the "type" I am dating.

What is something unusual about you?

I have lots of rules. Rules for ice cream. Rules about food on plates. And on and on. I also make everything into a game. If I am with someone and we can't decide on a movie to watch or where to eat I make it into a game of elimination.

How do you describe your everyday style?

I can't wear jeans to work except on Friday but I try to keep things casual just the same. I would really be most happy if I could wear stretchy pants and a hoodie every day.


What was the last book you read? How was it?

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. Good. I am more ashamed by how long it's been since I last read a book. I intended to read A Christmas Carol before Christmas rolled around, but that's not happening.


What were the last three movie you saw? How were they?

White Christmas, Kung Fu Panda, and It's a Wonderful Life. I love the Christmas movies. I could take or leave Kung Fu Panda. But it was kind of fun.

What are your favorite TV characters?

Jim Halpert from The Office. I also like Barney on How I Met Your Mother. Not because he embodies anything that is good or admirable, just because he is funny.

You are asked to bring your best dish to a party, what do you make?

Depends on the party but I usually end up making something simple but tasty like a soup or pasta salad. I also really enjoy making bread lately.

What qualities do you find attractive in your significant other or a prospective one?

So many! He is one of those people that everyone gets along with. Very personable and fun. He is also intelligent and we have good conversations. But I think the thing that initially peaked my interest was when he looked up the rules to nertz to try and prove me wrong. I loved that.

Is there a song that everytime you hear it, it reminds you of a certain memory? What is it and why?

There are a lot of songs that take me back to a specific memory. I will name just two here. First, "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from the Lion King. It brings back memories dancing with Pat at an after school stag dance in 9th grade. So funny! And "Fly" by Sugar Ray. That brings back memories of the ShopKo parking lot with some of my best friends from high school. Also funny.

Do you swear?

Unfortunately I have to answer this one with a "sometimes." But I'm not very proud of it and am working very hard and cutting it out. It's difficult in my line of work. But there are no excuses for it.

What is your worst vice?

Self-pity and indulging in negative thoughts about myself. Also right up there is gossiping. Trouble.

Yeah yeah, being materialistic is bad. What is your favorite THING you own right now?

Hmmm...tough one. I might have to say my new shoes I bought for my birthday. Just because they are new and cute and comfortable and functional as they can be worn with skirts and jeans.

Coke or Pepsi?

Coke, diet.

Beach, Mountains, Big City, Country, or Desert?

Mountains for sure. No question about it!

Whats your favorite Candy?

So many! But I would have to go with something chocolate and caramel.

If you could dress your significant other (or prospective mate), how would you dress them? What do they usually wear?

He usually wears button up shirts and jeans or slacks. I really like when he just wears a t-shirt and jeans. I'm simple like that. As much as I don't care about what he wears, I would like to take him to a store and just dress him up. That makes him sound like he is a doll or something. But I think it would be fun. I love clothes shopping and I love picking stuff out for others and making them try it on. I do it with friends all the time.

What is your favorite dessert?

Ditto to Diana. Ice cream. I could eat it all day, everyday. D, could you make sure mom has a carton of Farr Peppermint stick when I come home next week? That would be great. Thanks!

Whats your least favorite fashion trend?

pegged jeans or acid wash. Not good folks, not good at all. Basically anything from the 80's should not be resurrected. It was not attractive.

How much did you love doing this?

A lot.

The Gingerbread House Mystery Resolved

Thanks to all who played my little game. The answer is...


Mine was the house on the left.

Jacob's the one on the right.

And I had to throw in these other two pictures because they demonstrate which one of the two of us is the greater perfectionist. That's right, not the girl who used to pull her hair out due to worry and stress over school work. No folks, it's computer engineer Jacob. Once Jacob described me as "easygoing" and maybe compared to him I am...I don't know. But I love that he thought I was easy going and I love that I probably AM a little more easygoing around him. Probably just one of the many reasons I love him.

I really enjoy this pictures for a couple of reasons. Yep, my house is fully assembled, and Jake is still working on his. I also learned that he sticks his tongue out when hard at work. I might love that a little too.



And here he is again, working away. Where was I? I'm pretty sure I was on the couch enjoying the movie "White Christmas," totally done with my house.

Merry Christmas to you all and especially to those who guessed right! You get the satisfaction of knowing you were correct as a special gift from me. Way to go!

Jacob, sorry no prize for you! Unless you count the privilege of my company as a prize. 'Cuz I think you got three whole days of it while we were building. Lucky you.

A 3 Stage Process

So, Jacob and I decided we wanted to make gingerbread houses. It seems that in years past when making gingerbread houses it was not as labor intensive as it was this year. This year it took 3 days. I have pictures of day 2 and 3 but not day 1. And you won't get to see the pictures until you play my game.

Here are a couple of pictures of the final products...





The game is to guess which is the house that Jacob built and which is the house I built. I'll post the rest of the pictures later on.

Moral of the story though, this was a good time! I really enjoyed listening to Christmas music, watching some Christmas movies, and building some houses with Jacob. I enjoy that Jacob is excited about Christmas (even if it was a little premature) and I am glad he comes up with fun ways for us to spend some time together and get to know each other just a little better. He's pretty great!

And, Jacob, I would appreciate if you don't play my little game since you already know the answer...

The Real Deal

For Shannon and D:



Yep, I made that.

Taught By My Mother

My mom would be proud, I think.

I made my very first batch of peanut brittle tonight and I must say it looks and smells delicious. I just finished so I haven't really sampled it, unless you count the "peanut brittle spoon" (which really brings back some memories), thus I'm not totally sure how it ultimately tastes. But I am confident it will be as good as it appears to be.

I realize I am indebted to my mother for passing on her tricks of the trade. A week ago I was discussing my plans to make peanut brittle with Jacob and he asked if I had a candy thermometer. I laughed, well it was more of a chuckle really, and then proceeded to explain that I didn't need one. I told my mother this story as I thought she would find it amusing. She responded that I didn't need the thermometer, not because of my own skills necessarily, but because of her years and years of ruined peanut brittle batches and experience in perfecting the art of peanut brittle making. And it is true. I am grateful my mom took the time to let us help her so I can enjoy passing this tradition on to others. Because really, how many people could make a perfect batch of peanut brittle on their first attempt?

Well, at least I think it's perfect. The spoon was delicious.

PS...the photo is one I found online. I'm too lazy to take a picture of my own success. But it does look remarkably similar to my own batch.

Let It Snow

I am so pleased right now. And here are the reasons why:

1. It snowed today. Big, fluffy flakes falling on and off all day. And it's supposed to continue on tomorrow! I am a firm believer that if it is going to be cold in December and January it also better be snowing.

2. My roommate, Heather, and I put up Christmas decorations this evening with the Muppet Christmas Carol on in the background. I love it! Both the decorations and the movie. I really love Christmas movies and may just make a list of favorites at a later date.

Okay, maybe there are just two reasons.

There is a third thing weighing heavily on my mind though...I will be turning 29...rounding the corner to 30. When, I ask you, did I get to be this old? It's not right. And I'm pretty sure turning 29 is going to be more difficult for me than turning 30. I may be weird, but I think having a year to think about the impending 30 will be more difficult than just actually being 30. Maybe...

Be Grateful

I realize this post is probably a little overdue as Thanksgiving has come and gone, but I'm still going to take a minute and enumerate some of the things I have been thinking about lately and am most grateful for.

1. Having just returned from visiting my family, I think I have to place them first on the list. I have such fantastic parents who are supportive and loving. I used to think of all the ways I wanted to be different than my parents. Now I think of all the ways I want to be like them. Plus I have had 7 pretty excellent examples in my siblings. I appreciate getting to know my siblings as friends. Turns out I like them not just because I have to. I would probably be friends with them even if we weren't related. And that is saying something! Good times with the Carter Clan! Very fun people. Even Mom.

2. Next on the list of gratitude would have to be my testimony of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The things I know to be true about Jesus Christ and the potential for exaltation change the way I live. And I am grateful for that anchor in a world that often seems full of chaos. And I am most grateful that, while I'm not perfect, I can be made so through the Atonement.

3. I am grateful for my friendships. I have been blessed through my life with just the right people at just the right time. I have become who I am, in part, through the good influences of those I choose to associate with. I am grateful to maintain contact with many of those good people and for their continued positive influence on my life choices.

4. I am grateful for this time of year that provides a pause for reflection on the many blessings I have. I am also grateful that Thanksgiving sets the stage for celebrating the birth of Christ. I love Christmas time. I hate the commercialism, but I love the spirit of the season. I appreciate reflecting on how I can become more Christlike and then having to opportunity to set some concrete New Years resolutions to put those thoughts into action.

5. I am grateful this year for my education and the opportunities it has afforded me. I am grateful to be doing the work I do with the good co-workers I have as well as the crazy clients. I am grateful I get paid to try and help others.

6. I am grateful for nature and the beauty God has created. I love sunrises and sunsets. I enjoy all four seasons and the different beauty each brings. I look forward to the first real snow fall. I also am grateful for the beauty of Fort Collins and the chance I have to be living here.