My husband the chef

Jeff doesn't cook much, but when he does it's usually a home run. Valentines day found us at home enjoying one such meal. Past years of attempted V-day dining have taught me one thing: I hate people. Ok not really everyone, but I do hate crowded restaurants for an over-hyped holiday when all I really want is some alone time with my man. There, I said it. Instead my mister valentine and I enjoyed a delicious meal of pulled pork, grilled pineapple, coconut rice, and smoothies. Jeff used the bag rice and boiled it with a little milk, butter, and shaved coconut. One bite and I thought I had been transported to an island oasis. After a meal like that he could do no wrong. We made a countdown chain for our upcoming get away and then that boy took me to the movies. He sure does know the way to my heart.

 I have this continual inner conflict between my love of big city excitement and 

my love of rural living. I just love them both.

Most the time, however, my country girl roots win out and this past Sunday was no exception.

Being home is the best.

lick the carpet

Software engineers used to sit where my colleagues and I do now. They held true to their stereotype and walked around without shoes on, which in our minds makes the surrounding carpet gross and the ultimate payment for a bet/deal/proposal, etc. The comment is always "I will if you lick the carpet." Of course nobody has done this. But that could soon be changing...

I work with clients in the northeast. My colleague that sits by me works with clients in the southeast. Two very different cultures. The other day a prospective partner from New York told me he was very excited about our product and was going to "Sell the balls out of it." We obviously had to put this phrase to good use and form a carpet lick contract. So on the day that my colleague says "sell the balls out of this product" to a client on the phone, yours truly will be quickly licking some nasty, under-cleaned carpet.

Photo Flashback: Viva la Mexico

Right after Jeff and I got engaged in July of 2007 my family took a trip to Mexico. In fact, Meg and I slept in the SLC airport after getting in late from Miami and having to fly to Mexico within hours.

My grandparents accompanied us on this trip, which meant we ate at Burger King a lot, played endless card games, and traveled slowly. But it was perfect.

Knowing I would be leaving my family nest soon, I loved every minute of it. This picture was taken one night as we walked the beach.

Our Weekend in Pictures

 This weekend has been the definition of relaxing...

We watched as beautiful 50 degree weather turned to a blizzard and didn't care one bit.

 I was semi-productive and worked more on our bedroom re-do. I think we're almost there.

 My 2011 book came in the mail. I don't work for Blurb, but I really should! They do great work, their books are easy to make, and the turnaround time is amazing. I've made travel books, Instagram books, and my favorite -- an annual blog book. It's a great way to chronicle the previous year without writing in a journal or scrap booking....two things I despise.

Happy weekend!

Out with a bang

2011 was an amazing year full of travel, our new-found love of tennis, long time friends, new friends, and fun family times. The holidays have been a perfect way to cap it all off.  And if it weren't for the feeling of a fresh start that accompanies the New Year, I would be really sad to see 2011 end.

Christmas this year was wonderful as always and filled with even more gratitude and love than before.

We started Christmas Eve with a traditional game of volleyball with Tucker siblings and friends. Nothing like hours of competitive play to get you in the Christmas spirit!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home before heading to Jeff's parents for a night of festivities. On our way we stopped by Jeff's Grandma Dorthy's home for a surprise Christmas visit. It was only my second time meeting her, but it was so meaningful to hear her stories of being young and married to late Grandpa Clyde while It's a Wonderful Life played in the background. She told of their travels to New York City, Washington D.C., and London. We then introduced her to Hobbes who was just as big (or small) as she is. They really hit it off.

The night was spent with endless treats, Christmas stories, a movie, and sneaking Hobbes into our bedroom for a cozy Christmas night. In the morning we opened our stockings with each other--one of my favorite parts of Christmas--then opened gifts with the rest of the family.

After church we drove to my parents home where Christmas started all over again. We played games, watched movies, visited with Grandparents, and played with nephews.  Below are the few pictures I took.

  

Baby Britt as Santa's little helper

 My lion hat from Jeff. You better believe I wore this thing for two solid days before taking it off

 The boys on a happy Christmas morning

 And lastly, the beautiful, sunny view on our way to my parents home.

What a wonderful year its been! At the last minute we have chosen to opt out of partying for a cozy New Year's Eve at home with treats, movies, and bubbly.

Bring on the new year.

10 Things: Christmas Edition

1. Temple Square (twice) - once with my fam and once with Jeff's parents for the Motab concert.
2. Finding my favorite childhood version of  "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" on Amazon. It's a pop-up book from the 60s!
3. This year's ornament purchase - penguins on skis, ice skates, and a sled from Crate & Barrel.

 

4. Buying Hobbes a Christmas sweater - no wonder people dress their pets. Best purchase ever.

5. The annual sugar cookie decorating - my best creation below.

6. Online shopping. Period. It's like getting a gift delivered even if its not for you. I love it.

7. A pretty much snow-less December. All I want for Christmas is snow!
8. Blurb. Here's a blurb about Blurb - it makes for a perfect Christmas gift and they are oh so fun to make.
9. Putting together cards and gifts to send to Jeff's brother Nate in Afghanistan - we will miss him this year!
10. Blasting Christmas music in the car and making Jeff sing with me. I just can't get enough.

Hunting Trees

We hiked, we found, we cut. 

And boy does that tree look perfect in our house!

Christmas is upon us and I am ready to soak in every last bit of it.

I am ThankFULL

I have always loved Thanksgiving. An entire holiday focused on delicious food is amazing, but also focusing on everything I've been given makes it even better.

• Thanksgiving spent with the Tucker clan
• Our 4th anniversary celebrated last week
• The most wonderful families and friends
• A free country and opportunities for work and education
• Health and strength
• My testimony and the gospel
• Our home, Hobbes, and excitement for what lies ahead

Don't forget to count your blessings.

Happy Turkey Day!

Road tripping with the parents

 Jeff and I took a little road trip with my parents last weekend to sunny San Diego.

Actually it rained the whole drive down on Friday, all day Sunday, and most of Monday.

But Saturday was gorgeous! We spent the day bumming around the beach, ate at Old Town, visited the most amazing mall...Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware, M.A.C...the list goes on...and we caught a movie that night.

 Sunday was the big game. The tailgating and fan attire were quite a spectacle. Jeff and my dad were over the top excited.

 The rain, oh the rain. It came down for all but about 20 minutes of the game, which means we sat in the rain for about 3 hours. But we still had fun!

 Here I am in all my soggy glory surrounded by the crazies.

It was a good adventure, can't wait for the next one.