Woodhead Family Pictures - November 2011

Marlies used her awesome photography skills to create a little family photo-shoot. I think they all turned out fabulous! 

"It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas"

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with the Grassli side of the family. We had a delicious meal at the Chuggs' home and I was introduced to the tradition of the Thankful Book. Each year on Thanksgiving, every family member writes what they are thankful for in the book. It was fun to look back through and see what everyone wrote in years gone by. When Michael was little, the things he was thankful for were usually centered around BYU sports, or the Jazz - and it seems to be a theme he is sticking to even now.

This was my first holiday that I have spent away from my own immediate family, and I am proud of how I did! I didn't cry at all; although I got a little teary when Grandpa G. pointed out that it was my first holiday away from home - I guess I hadn't thought about it too much until that point!

I am so grateful that I have been able to get to know all of Michael's extended family so well, since we  live close! They have been so kind and I truly feel like they are my own!

We stayed at the Woodhead's in Sandy for the weekend so that we could feel like we were "out of town" on vactaion. The day after Thanksgiving we ventured out to check out the Black Friday deals, but didn't make a single purchase.

That night was the first night that Temple Square was all lit up with twinkle lights! Marlies, Jane Anne, Michael, and I wandered around in the freezing weather - it was the perfect way to start off the Christmas season! 

The weekend of Thanksgiving we also got our little home in the Christmas spirit! I really really really love holidays and Christmas is no exception! We lucked out and got a free tree and a few other decorations from the Dean's office where I work - the tree is just the right size. 

The Christmas letters are a Lambert tradition - Grandma Lambert has made them for each family.
The advent was sent to Michael on his mission from Grandma and Grandpa G. while they were serving in Switzerland.

We invested in the nativity this year - we were given more pieces for Christmas so next year it will be more complete.
My mom made the cute placemats and napkins so each meal was festive! 

 Lindsay Ham and her fiance, Brycen, invited us on a double to make gingerbread houses. They made the pieces from scratch and everything - I was so impressed! Our house was a bit of a struggle, but it turned out alright in the end. Let me introduce you to the "love shack": 

one year since "yes!"

It is hard to believe that one year ago Michael popped the question, I said yes, and I have been wearing the most gorgeous ring on my finger since! 

November 26, 2010

Michael proposed to me over Thanksgiving break while my family was in town for the holiday. We had talked about getting married and had looked at rings a little bit, but I was not expecting it that soon at all!

It was the day after Thanksgiving and we had been hanging out with my dad's side of the family at the Woolley's house. Mike told me that his mom and sisters were coming to the mall in Orem to shop and suggested that we go say "hi" - I thought that was a great idea and bit the bate. As we were leaving, he mentioned that we had to stop by the apartment he was staying at to pick up his phone charger. I offered to just stay in the car while he ran in, but he suggested that I join him. Once we walked in the door I walked right over to the couch and plopped down, while stating, "It still smells in here". I had walked over rose petals and did not even notice the set up in the kitchen! Michael called me over, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! Of course I said "Yes!" right without hesitation! I was SO shocked, I was shaking the entire time and for a while after!! I was so surprised; I had no idea he had talked to my dad or purchased a ring! So sneaky!! :)

The Woodheads were waiting close by, so they came up after to celebrate with us! We then went back to the Woolley's house, where my family was waiting. I was so happy that they were in town so that they could be part of all the excitement! It meant so much to me to have my family there - especially my mom and dad!

That was the perfect beginning to our ever after - from that day on I have worn the ring I will wear for the rest of my life and I couldn't be happier about being officially taken! 

Thankful

Seeing as Thanksgiving is right around the corner, tonight for family home evening (we are trying to get in the habit now), we made a list of a few things we are most thankful for:

our temple marriage

supportive and loving families

opportunities for education

our little cozy apartment 

the gospel of Jesus Christ

BYU sports 

the power of prayer and the Priesthood

good examples

yummy desserts
the country in which we live and freedoms we enjoy
the Woodheads' washers and dryers
traditions and holidays