Temple Hill

All season, we've been talking about making it up to the Temple to see the lights. Finally, 2 days before Christmas, we were able to do it.

As we drove into the completely packed parking lot, we made a bet that we'd see someone we knew, whether it be someone from our ward, stake or a friend. Sure enough, within 5 minutes of stepping out of our car, I hear someone yell my name. Ended up being one of the YW I taught that was home from college. Oddly enough, she's related to the...
You could read this as "love grows" but we took it as "We LOVE the Grows!" We parked next to this car and I just had to take a picture of their plate.

Since The Lime loved the fireworks and lights at Disneyland, we thought he'd enjoy the Temple lights. Eh...this is the best picture I got...There were a couple performances taking place in the Visitor's Center that we were too late to enjoy. But the highlight of the night was the Creedence Clearwater Revival blasting from the wedding reception being held in the Interstake Center. LaVor had gone so far as to open the door and put one foot inside before I reminded him that we weren't invited.

We had to stop for gas on our way home and I was thrilled to see this sign...How cool! Except I'm not in this area on Mondays. But in case you are, it's the 76 station on Castro Valley Blvd. across from Wendy's!

Advent - Year 3 - Week 4

It was appropriate that this was our last week of Advent because we went out with a bang.

Kenny called earlier in the week and suggested that we Skype during Advent. Why didn't we think of this idea 4 weeks ago?! It was so fun to be able to see everyone and have them participate. They even got down during Jingle Bells.

They also surprised us with wonderful news that they're pregnant with twins! Yippee! Everyone is so excited to add #14 and #15 to the bunch of grandkids.

Keiffers made a yummy peach pie for dessert, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. There really isn't anything better than a warm dessert and melted vanilla ice cream with it. Yum!

Like I've said in the past 2 years, Advent always goes by too quickly! And like in the past, I'm not ready for Christmas.

Tally Mark 11

-Is a walker and soon to be runner.
-Can climb onto the couch.
-Has 7 teeth; 4 on top, 3 on the bottom.
-Would stay in the bathtub all day if we let him.
-Waves "hi" and "bye".
-Has his moments but for the most part, is happy all the time. We were out the other day and a gentleman came up to us and said, "I've never seen such a happy baby in my life!" Quite the compliment. We must be doing something right.
-Blows kisses to Daddy every night before bedtime.
-Has started this new laugh that is hard to describe but hysterical to listen to.
-Is starting to get skeptical about food. He sticks his little tongue out to taste it before he opens his mouth.
-Is just about out of his "baby" car seat. Is getting a "big boy" car seat in between Christmas and his birthday.
-Still puts everything in his mouth and is still especially fond of shoes.
-Likes to "bounce" when he hears music.
-Still needs a haircut.
-Makes us smile and laugh all day long.

One Man's Junk Is Another Man's Junk

I decided to break down and go through our cabinet that has all of our cookbooks in it, since it was getting out of control. It also stores our Pyrex, Cooking Light magazines, paper goods and phonebook. I took everything out and was able to throw a bunch of stuff into the goodwill pile. As I got to the back of the cabinet, I noticed a plastic grocery bag that had been pushed into the corner.

I had never seen this bag in my life! LaVor swears it wasn't there when we moved in but the crap in the bag isn't ours. And when I say crap, I mean crap. Do you see all the random junk in there?! A cell phone, wine corker, pushpins, hair accessories, coasters, pliers, markers, etc!

I didn't take the time to go through it and see if I could find some sort of identification. Who knows what I could have caught.

Advent - Year 3 - Week 3

With illness spreading through the kiddos like wildfire this past week, the McMurray's had to skip Advent. Since we were missing our professional piano player, LaVor suggested I step in and play (although I think he was joking). I jumped right in and warned everyone that I'd only be able to play the right hand, as I need a little more notice and practice to throw in the left hand. After the first song, everyone suggested we sing a capella. After murdering everyone's song with my piano skills, we gobbled up some pie and chased The Lime around the house saying, "No, don't eat that!"

1 more week of Advent. What the heck?!

Advent - Year 3 - Week 2

I've come to realize that it's hard to take pictures when you're the one hosting Advent. Nonetheless, I was able to capture a few snapshots and 1 hilarious video.

LaVor thought it'd be appropriate to have German Chocolate Cake for dessert. With a house to clean, desserts to make and a 10 month old to take care of, I opted for a cake mix (Gasp!!!!). But don't you worry, the coconut frosting was homemade and I have to say, to die for. 2 huge scoops of it managed to appear on my plate while I enjoyed the last slice on Tuesday.

They've Done It Again

Another work Christmas party and another great night full of fun surprises.

Normally, after dinner, we play a game such as bingo or memory. This year, the Doctors decided to switch it up.

While we were eating, each couple got a chance to have a caricature drawn of them. So fun! I've never had one done and was a bit nervous as to how Wolfgang would interpret me.
Pretty cute, eh? He even got my bangs and black headband. And...LaVor's Christmas beard.

We then got to enjoy a mind boggling magic show by Richard. I caught on to the ring trick but everything else is still driving me crazy. How he did what he did, I don't know. Magic, I guess.

I'm extremely grateful for my job, my co-workers and the 2 most generous guys I know. It's been a cooky year at the office but we've made it through and are all looking forward to what 2011 holds!