The First Snow

Yesterday afternoon the snow finally came to the valley. It was a beautiful snowfall which was followed by a Christmas concert by the Utah Chamber Artists up the the U (with sugar cookies and wassail, yum!). Last Saturday we put up lights on the cottage aka our house and Sunday up went the tree. I'll have to post more pics soon. Happy winter everyone.

Lately

Its been a bit since I've posted, so here is what has been going on lately:

Mark had a wonderful birthday! Breakfast with friends and fam, rollerblading at Sugarhouse park, lunch with friends, dinner with me at Cafe Madrid, and an episode of The Office for dessert. What an awesome day.

We're enjoying the warm weather while we can. I love running outside in the mornings still. But...we're hoping the snow will come sooner or later. We're getting passes to Brighton and are excited to wear snow clothes and take lots of pictures!

We are so thankful for all of our many blessings and are enjoying life!

Oh, and I got a haircut. It much more fun to surprise people in person, but as we all know, a good post on a blog always includes a picture.

Kids are just....flippin cool

I wanted to post some photos of my nephew Max, or as I call him, Maximus - he is such a stud and I love to play around with him. I started to let him use my skate deck a little bit and he is starting to get the hang of it pretty quick. Soon he'll be giving Ryan Sheckler a run for his money. But really though, aren't kids just funny? They are so fun to goof around with and just be imaginative - I guess that i like to act like i'm a real pirate, or a ninja with sweet bowstaff skills, or sometimes a dragon-faced pillow monster but hey, who doesn't?

Bring out the blades...

For the first time in who knows how many years, I dusted off my brother's size HUMONGO rollerblades and went out for a spin. I have come to only one conclusion: yes, rollerblading is still awesomely cool. If you don't believe me, take a look at this sweet picture and you'll know what I'm talking about.

My Mom

This post is dedicated to my mom for her birthday.
Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is your birthday and I just wanted to tell you how much I love and appreciate you. I am here because of you and am so thankful for Grandma and Grandpa for having such a happy beautiful daughter! I'm sure they are watching you today, wishing you a happy day too.

Journal Entry 2.27.99 (I was 15)
"'She never gave up once. My mom is my hero'. My mom is the greatest. She's a good mother, hard worker, brave, athletic, kind, and has a strong testimony. I'm pretty lucky!"


3.18.02
"My mom is amazingly strong. Holy crap, she's the bravest ever"

5.9.04
"Carol F. Kusterle. She's the best. She knows everything."

5.27.05
"We walked to the temple with my mom and John. We were sealed by Grandpa Fetzer. He did a wonderful job. My mom helped me get ready. I love her and don't show her enough."


6.28.05
"When my mom would leave us messages or daily jobs, she would always draw that smiley face"..."Mom and I walked around the yeard. Since I left I just keep thinking about her and her work and life in that house. I miss the smell of the house. So may things happened there..."

I love you mom. Thanks for being who you are...it has helped me become who I am. I have so many memories-you gardening, telling me not to suck my thumb, picking tomatoes, going to the pool, trips to the cabin, girls trip to Colorado, picking up pinecones and apricots, watching movies...too many to list.

Just know that you're the best mom ever,
and I hope you have a great day.