Party Time

Last Monday we were able to go out to Enterprise to celebrate Austen's birthday. Here's the birthday boy himself. You might not have recognized him, though.
New baby Dirk, Bryan, and Mary
Jeff and David
Tana in the distance, me and Dirk.
And this beautiful thing is the dinosaur cake Tana made. She is a cake making extraordinaire, and has inspired Mary and me to enroll in a decorating class next summer.
Thanks for the fun party! And happy birthday, Austen!

Impulse Buy

It seems like the later we go to Wal-Mart the more ridiculous our purchases get. For example, last night. We went to Wal-Mart for one thing. They did not have what we were looking for, but we decided to look around. We soon found ourselves in the long check-out line with about 12 items in our cart. After reading up on what new drama Jon and Kate are going through, my eyes began to wander toward all those last minute products. Sometimes I do get tempted by the chap stick, or gum, but I usually try to steer clear of those products. But last night, I spotted a ShamWOW, and as soon as I showed Jeff it says "Made in Germany" in big letters right there on the towel, it was in our cart. $6.99 and worth every penny.

Crazy Eights

I just had to share that my sister is the one who made the 8888 click. Luckily, she documented it. And I thought I would share it with everyone. I think when I realized the 8888 click was going to happen on our anniversary, that was about the second happiest/excited/breathless I've ever been in my whole life. Jeff thought it was really annoying because I couldn't stop talking about it. But really, what are the chances? I didn't even rig it. And it was so lucky I even noticed it was about to happen. I am calling it a tender mercy. Jeff is calling me crazy. I even had a dream about it the night I discovered it. Maybe I am crazy...

The Sunday Comic

To Infinity and Beyond

Today is our one year anniversary! We can't believe how fast time flew. All week I've been saying things like, "Last year at this time, I was getting my nails done." "Last year at this time, I was at Chuck-E-Cheese." It's been so fun to reminisce.

Despite what the Sunday Comic might sometimes suggest, I really do love Jeff. Our bishop said we would love each other more and more every day, and we are finding that to be true. Being married is the best thing ever. I am so glad Jeff is willing to put up with me.

It has been a great year. With many more great years to come. Happy Anniversary, Jeff!

(CHECK IT OUT! Look at the number of hits on the left hand side of our page. Help us get our 8,888 hit on our anniversary!!! Lucky Number 8 is at it again!)

My First Love

When I was growing up, we had the same meal every Sunday for as long as I can remember. We mixed it up a little bit with either chicken or roast beef, but it was always served with mashed potatoes and carrots. The only time we strayed from that menu is if we had guests over and then my mom would be sure to add peas and brownies for dessert. You would think that after years and years of eating the same thing every week, everyone would be sick of it. Surprisingly, the kids would get angry if our Sunday meal was tampered with.

I left home for college and missed my Sunday dinners at times more than my own family members. Even though I had seen the meal be prepared millions of times, I just knew it would not turn out the same if it wasn't cooked by my parents. So every Sunday my stomach was left unsatisfied.

I eventually got used to the fact that the famous Thomas Family Sunday meal was no longer a part of my weekly staple, so I moved on. When I got married, I thought maybe we could start the tradition up again. Jeff was not too fond of eating the same thing every week. I was officially weened off the meal. All I had left were the memories.

Until last Sunday. Jeff asked me if I wanted to cook my favorite meal. I had never cooked it before all by myself, so I was slightly hesitant, but I couldn't resist. I called up my dad to make sure I got all the little details right about the meal. We were peeling potatoes in no time with a roast in the oven. Jeff probably won't let this be an Excell tradition, but I may be able to swing it every now and then. Welcome back, Sunday Dinner. I've missed you so much.

The Sunday Comic