Good-bye Ellie

After too long of writing and not writing then writing and not writing, I've decided to pull Ellie from blogging. I know it seems silly, but the pressure of making her presentable (even though I said I wasn't going to do that anymore) is stifling. So, I'm shutting her down. Well, at least her blog anyway. I'm going to keep writing her story (because I really want at least one project that I actually finished).

Thank you for those who have remained interested in her even though my posts have been few and far between. If you still want to know what happens, send me an email at endlessbrainvomit@gmail.com and I'll send you the first draft when I am finished (my plan is by April, if not sooner). I'd love your feedback!

Also, if there is anything you're dying to see happen in the book, let me know. I'll see if I can work it into the story. Lots of love... me

Merry Christmas and (just in case) a Happy New Year!

Pictures didn't get taken. Cards didn't get mailed. Presents (almost) didn't get purchased. But other than that, I think we're ready for Christmas! I've spent the last few days writing and taking care of very-last-minute things for the holidays.

Tonight we are headed to the Calder's for food and fun. About 2 hrs before dinner I decided it would be a great idea to make Lion House rolls (which take about 3 hrs). Thankfully Chantel is running behind too so it should all work out.

Tomorrow we're having the missionaries over for breakfast. I've put together a couple of stockings for them with treats and things. We're trying new traditions and I hope this one works out. We always had the missionaries over as kids and I loved it. Though I'm a little nervous considering I don't have any gaming devices or other things for them to do while I cook. I hope they're not too disappointed. At least the food should be good! The bacon, eggs and hashbrowns staple. For Christmas dinner we are headed to the Greenwood's. She's my awesomely pheonomanal RS pres and I love her daughter. I'm using the opportunity to make Grandma B's famous oatmeal cake as well as a hot grape drink I discovered YEARS ago. Leave it to me to try brand new things when I'm taking it to someone elses house. Joe thinks I'm crazy and maybe I am. I'll let you know after tomorrow!

Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone. Know that we love you and were thinking of you all the way over here in Maryland. We hope you have a safe and happy holiday season!

I fell asleep in Maryland...

and woke up in freakin' Utah! What is up with that? We are in the midst of what Maryland considers a horrific snow storm. Seriously. People wiped out grocery stores last night of their bread, milk and toilet paper. What we consider a usual dump in Utah becomes the "end of days" out here. Leaders are already talking about cancelling church on Sunday and Joe's work gave him a hotline to call on Monday just in case they decide to close the office. Makes me glad to have our truck and just a little grumpy it won't pass Maryland's state inspection (they don't like lifts here). Anyway, a few last pictures for your enjoyment. The first snow fall melted quickly off the roads. Something tells me this might take a little longer.

Christmas Decor

Our humble tree (which looks so much better in this space than our last home) with stockings hanging in the background.

Our first broken ornament. Josser hit it with his tail during one of his bursts of excitment. It was inevitable considering his tail-of-death.