Business Trip

Here are some photos from Aaron's recent "business" trip. Yeah, I know, it looks like he's working really hard. This is Dave, his colleague with connections to get them into the Rose Bowl for the National Championship college football game played by University of Texas Longhorns and some other team. (Have I mentioned Aaron LOVES his new job?)

Their seats were in the Alabama endzone but, they were surrounded by Longhorn fans so they didn't care.

I liked this photo of the band with a spectator's Hook'em Horns sign at the bottom.

Now that is one gorgeous photo!

When I grow up, I want a decent camera. For now, I'm willing to live with images like this.

As for the kids and I, we were at home watching on our TV. Colt McCoy, Texas' quarterback, whom one of our cats is named after, was injured in the beginning of the game. We received more information about his injury from the TV than they did in the stadium. I texted Aaron throughout the game. He would pass on the info to all the Texas fans around him. I'm glad I could help out.

In the end, the Longhorns lost. We fought long and we fought hard and we will forever be Texas Proud. Hook 'em Horns!

The Model Husband

It's no secret. Aaron loves his new job. It was really scary when he lost his job months ago. Looking back, now I'm down right giddy about it. As I recently drove by his previous work establishment, I said a silent and sincere prayer of gratitude. No more traveling, no more commute, and lots more time with the family. It's funny how trials turn into blessings. I realize there are lots of people out there still looking for work. I hope they find the same end we did. My other hope is that I never forget what I learned from the experience.

For those of you who don't know. Aaron is the financial manager for a company that manufactures toys for Walmart, hair styling products for Ulta, and griddles for Cabela's. His company did a photo shoot for some of their products today. The employees and family members drove up the canyon to a local campground. There they cooked pancakes, hashbrowns, sausage, hamburgers, hotdogs, and fajitas. It was like an early Thanksgiving. At work, Aaron is famous for cooking fajitas (He was taught by our friend Ernest, who really is the master fajita cooker but, don't tell the guys around here that).

They not only took pictures of Aaron at the grill, the rest of us sat around the table posing with the food. Pretending to be one big happy family out for a picnic. I've never been part of a photo shoot (for obvious reasons) but it was fun hanging out with his co-workers. Vanessa thought it was a bit boring. My job was trying to keep a smile on her face for the photos. That was until she got ketchup all over her sleeve and mud all over her pants. I figured that just added to the authenticity of the image of a family picnic.

I've thought all along Aaron was a model husband. Now I mean that literally. His new job has given me proof.

Happy Anniversary

Aaron and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary on December 17th. He surprised me by taking me out on a date. We drove around the Temple where we were married and talked about the feelings we felt that day thirteen years ago. It is so wonderful to remember things together. Our love has grown so much since then and I am so grateful for him in my life. We talked of our experiences since then. It is amazing all that we have been through together. I am who I am today in part because of Aaron. Anyway, I could go on forever about how much I love him.

He then surprised me by taking me shopping for a new camera! YEAH!!! It is a birthday/anniversary/Christmas gift. (I love having all three major events so close together.)
Now, I feel like I'm back in the blog business except I haven't had time to sit at the computer for days. I have a lot of catching up to do. So, stay posted.

Brainwashed

AJ reported today that at recess the leader of the boys decided with the leader of the girls that the girls would chase the boys. If a boy was caught, the girls would brainwash him into acting like a girl. This is serious business! I was very happy when he told me that he was never caught, although one of his poor friends was brainwashed and AJ had to brainwash him back into a boy. This sounds pretty complicated for the 2nd grade, but does sound a bit familiar to world of dating and what he'll be going through in the 11th grade.

It made me realize how grateful I am that I'm no longer chasing. I have the man I caught 12 years ago and I've got him brainwashed into acting just the way I want him too (most of the time).

So, I Married a Mexican

Yesterday, as Esteban's class was talking about family history he told the class his dad was part Mexican, that his dad lived in Mexico for a time, and that is why his name is Esteban. I pointed out to him that Aaron has never lived in Mexico, served his mission in Venezuela, and while he claims to be 1/4 Venezuelan, he really is not. Esteban pointed out that he worked on several temples in Mexico. I guess, if you count all of his traveling, he technically lived there for a week or two. As far as Esteban's name, he is named after the apostle Steven in the New Testament, we just liked the Spanish version more than the English. Aaron was quite flattered to be considered a Mexican. I'm sure Esteban's teacher is wondering if he is such a Mexican, where did the blonde hair and blue eyes come from?