Holiday Parties

December 12 was my work Christmas luncheon. I absolutely love my job and the people that I work with. I feel very blessed when I think back about how everything seemed to fall together and put me there. Anyways... this year the luncheon was held at Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Basically the best, most expensive dinner you'll ever have. (Or, in my case, lunch). It was a delicious lunch and if you are looking for a place to celebrate an important event (anniversary, Valentines), I highly recommend it. Much to Brad's dismay, my office doesn't invite spouses to the lunch. Sorry Brad!

On December 13, Brad and I drove into downtown San Francisco for his work Christmas party. It was held at Fort Mason, which is a former military base that has been converted into a multicultural center. It is a beautiful location, sitting right on the San Francisco bay with a beautiful view of the city, the bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a fun night, and I got to meet a lot of the people that Brad works with.


Since this was the first time we had actually driven into the city (we usually take BART), we decided to drive past Union Square on our way home. With our trusty GPS in hand (early Christmas gift- thanks Mom and Dad!) we were confident we could find it without turning onto a one way street or a bad part of town. And we were successful! The Christmas tree and decorations were beautiful! Unfortunately, we weren't quick enough with the camera to snag a picture.

Thanksgiving Week

The past week was quite the whirlwind. It began last Thursday night when Brad and I drove to Utah to attend the funeral of two close family members. Although the reason for our trip was sad and tragic, we were grateful for the opportunity it gave us to spend time with family and reflect on the blessings of eternal families. Brad was able to see cousins that he hadn't seen since before his mission (over 5 years) and I was able to meet them for the first time. We will be heading back to Utah in just a little over 3 weeks to spend Christmas with the Hardcastle's and we can hardly wait.

Last Monday we hopped back into the car and began the trip back to SF. We kept tabs on my family (the Urry's) because as we were traveling I-80 to get back home, they were traveling I-5 to meet us for Thanksgiving week. Brad and I beat them home by a couple hours and were able to get the house ready for when they arrived. We started off the visit with a trip into the city to visit Alcatraz, Pier 39, the cable cars, etc. We were nervous that the weather wasn't going to cooperate, but it turned out to be a perfect day. It was overcast, but not windy or rainy. We really got lucky! Here are some pics from Alcatraz:





Wednesday Brad and I went back to work for the first day in about a week. We were very grateful to our bosses that gave us time off with such short notice to allow us to go to Utah. While we were working my family explored the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield. From what we heard, they highly recommend it.

Thanksgiving was a long day! My mom and spent most of it in the kitchen, while the boys spent it watching football and going to the movies. Brad invited a friend from the ward, Jim, to spend Thanksgiving with us. I was a little nervous about how we would all fit, but it turned out fine. We had a yummy Thanksgiving and no one complained about the tight space at the table!





Friday, we went out to explore some more! We drove to the Golden Gate Bridge and then went up into Mill Valley to the John Muir Redwoods. It was beautiful! Brad was sick, so he couldn't join us, but we got a year pass to the Redwoods so we'll be back again!











(Remember Ross's broken foot? He is in a walking cast for it, hence the wheelchair)

We finished up the trip with: recording messages on tape for Bryant (Elder Urry), "Dan in Real Life", "Elf", homemade kettle corn (thanks mom!), and some sweet foot massages from Taryn. What a trip!


After we saw my family off yesterday morning, instead of following our "strict orders" to rest (sorry Dad!) we decided to decorate the house for Christmas. Priorities, right?




It has been a busy busy week, but we've loved every minute of it. We were reminded of just how important family is and are grateful for the unique chance we got to see both of them so close together. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday too.

What a week!

In the past 8 days I have:

1. Driven to and and from Utah (10 hours each way)
2. Hosted my family here in SF for Thanksgiving week
3. Cooked Thanksgiving dinner for 9 people
4. Visited Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the John Muir Redwoods
5. Lived with 8 people in a 2 bedroom townhouse
6. Worked 1 day and gotten paid for 6 :)
7. Spent time with both the Hardcastle and Urry families and been reminded how important family truly is.

It has been a tiring, busy, fun-filled week. More details and pictures to come.

And now for the Hardcastle's

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Look at those Urry kids ;)

I thought this was too cute to pass up. Nice moves Ross!!
Better watch out Spencer... Hardcastle elves are next!!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Picture fun

I envy people with photography skills. I have no talent when it comes to taking photos, I can never "capture the moment" or get the right angle, etc. And don't even try to explain Photoshop to me- it's a lost cause. However, there is hope for me! I just discovered this fun website that helps edit your photos. It's really simple and easy. The site is picnik.com

I decided to play around with one of our wedding pictures from our open house in Utah. It was a beautiful snowy night and I love how this picture turned out! I think I might have to play around with a few more...

We voted!

Have you?

Proposition 8 and Zions Camp

As you can see to the right, the time is running out to vote. Lauren and I spent our Saturday sticking door hangers on voter's doors and assembling "Yes on Prop 8" signs. It has been amazing to see how much time and effort the church has put into this initiative. As silly as it sounds, I can't help but think of Zions Camp. Many were called to do something that they didn't quite understand. In the end, those who listened to the prophet and obeyed his every word were blessed.

Last night at our Stake Conference, our Stake President shared some experiences that he has had with the Brethren in helping with the Prop 8 initiative. On a conference call, Elder Ballard told all of California's Stake Presidents that every time Elder Monson sees Elder Ballard he asks him, "Russell, are we going to win in California?"

In a few days we will know the outcome, but even if Proposition 8 doesn't pass the opportunity to serve and fight for something so important has already brought our little family countless blessings. Again, both Lauren and I have thought about the outcome of Zion's Camp. Maybe proposition 8 doesn't pass and we went through all this to refine us and makes us better. But what comforts us most is the knowledge that Christ is at the head of this church. Come what may, we will be blessed for following the prophet of the Lord.

Halloween Trunk or Treat

Last night was our ward Halloween Trunk or Treat... and it was really fun! Brad and I were in charge of a couple of games and enjoyed helping all of the adorable little kids win the coveted (plastic) prizes. Later, Brad really enjoyed scaring them all as they came to stock up on some candy.

Last night was also the first time in a very long time that we actually dressed up for Halloween, and the first since we've been together. So here we are, straight out of the 1920's.



We had a great time! Unfortunately, I woke up this morning feeling pretty sick. I'm hoping it's just a 24 hour thing, because come 7:00 tomorrow morning, weekday life is calling.

Chicken Noodle Soup and an Apron

There really is no excuse for the lack of updates here... except that there isn't too much to report.

On conference weekend, Brad and I were feeling very culinarious (is that a word?) and made his mom's famous homemade chicken noodle soup and some yummy homemade rolls to go with it. It was delicious! We even made the noodles (that's the secret ;) Here is Brad right before we ate, I apologize for the bad lighting but it took us longer to make the meal than we expected and it was dark before we ate! But it was well worth the wait.




Saturday was the relief society's Super Saturday activity. There were so many cute things that I wanted to sign up for, but I just limited myself to one and it took the whole 6 hours! I made an apron! The pictures aren't the best, but I think it turned out really cute for being my first sewing project since I made my brothers some pajamas over 6 years ago. I was feeling so ambitious that I even cut out the fabric to make a second... we'll see how long it takes to actually get made!


(Again, ignore the awful lighting)


I made my own bias for the apron... it took forever but added a touch that store bought couldn't have

Other than that, we are both staying busy with work, callings, and Prop 8. In fact, as I type Brad is out delivering yard signs to people that he called earlier tonight and said they are voting Yes and that wanted a sign.

I got a haircut last week, which doesn't exactly sound like "blog-able" news, unless you know me. As Susie can attest to, I am very meticulous and protective of my hair. I was so spoiled having her so close and accessible (and free) for the past two years, and I have been so nervous to look for another hairdresser out here. Well, I found one... and she cut my hair... and I like it! It's not the same as Susie but it will do. Maybe I'll put a picture up next time.

That's it for now!