Utah the happiest state!

So I just finished reading a few articles stating that Utah was ranked first in a Gallup pole for being the happiest state. It was quite interesting actually. It included questions about physical health, mental health, work, access to necessities, and how often you smile or laugh. I was most entertained at the blog comments that this stirred up. I find it very funny that so many people believe that Utah is happy because we are all "white Mormons on antidepressants who by the way suppress their women." Well, I can't argue there. I am a white stay-at-home Mormon on antidepressants. I am very happy.
This has given me the opportunity to reflect. Why am I happy? I have lived in seven or eight states, I feel like it has very little to do with the actual state but my state of mind. I am not just happy, but have joy and satisfaction in my life. It is because:
1) I have the most beautiful creations ever made ( I had a part in the making too) Teigan and Brielle.
2) I have an amazing, hard-working and might I add very attractive husband who loves me
3) I have the answers to life's most sought questions
4) Heavenly Father loves me and wants me to be HAPPY!
5) I am on antidepressants. Let me explain. I have a family history from both sides of my family of this horrible illness and have struggled with it since my youth. When I take medication, I am not just happy all the time ( ask Bryce) It merely allows me to be at ground zero and then have the clarity and choice to be happy. Mental illness like depression is an illness comparable to other illnesses that require medicinal therapy.
6) My community. I have neighbors who get up at six and run with me in the cold. Some others brought me soup when I had the flu for a week. I can take my kids to almost anyone in the neighborhood if needed and not worry. I have playgroups with great friends. These are wonderful people and no I am not just talking about the relatives, although they are also a huge part.
7) opportunity is all around me. I feel like I could be successful in anything. If you want to hear my latest ideas just ask.
The list goes on......... Why are you happy? Or maybe you are not....think about it. Hawaii was second. My birthplace. Hey maybe it is just me. I make everyone happy JK Comments please?

Happy Birthday Brielle!

She just turned threeeeee!

She had a party at school. She brought cupcakes and the other kids gave her presents to open. She really felt special and like a big kid. The next day she decided to use the potty full-time. YES!

Teigan couldn't help but help little sister open all her fun presents.

We had some family over Sunday night to share the cake with. She loves everything pink! She had pink frosting and pink ice cream. She is such a bright kid. She loves school and is already writing some of the letters in her name. What will the next year bring?

Goodbye to 01/2009

The first month of 2009 is almost gone already? How many of you are still... jogging everyday? reading your scriptures? not drinking soda? not picking your nose???

We are all healthy and well here in Draper. The inversion has kept things nice and cold and stinky. Pray for a storm will ya?

Teigan did something really cute today. I just got a new calling in church. I am to host activity days for girls 10/11. So today I had the girls over to my house and we were playing some "get to know you" games. While playing, Teigan brought down a plate full of different kinds of snacks and passed them around to the girls. She did this without any prompt from me. There were pretzels and raisins and cheese and goldfish and cashews. When I went up to see the kitchen there wasn't any mess either. She played quite the little hostess. SO sweet huh?

To update you on Belle, well, Brielle has such a strong will.

It has been hard trying to potty train her. She is doing very

well though and prefers to be in Teigan's

older preschool class rather than be with me.

Bryce is finishing his last semester of grad school one. (more to come) It is really hard for everyone but we hope it will pay off. (literally pay) There is not much to say about me so that's all I am gonna say about that. Until next time.......

As Bryce and I celebrate our 5th year anniversary, we celebrate with big RED grins. What a great anniversary gift the Utes delivered. Together we get to bask in the victory images, articles, and video clips. We join the sugar high! Here are some images we have enjoyed and some of us in the last home game of the regular season against that team down south. GO UTES!

Here is some Merry Christmas Cheer to brighten up your work day or for those facing nasty finals. Notice Brielle laying down in the background, she didn't feel like participating. Enjoy!

Frosty the Snowman

Aha! I figured it out. Bryce would be so proud of me for being what he calls, "a problem solver". Teigan is the cute one shaking her booty. (the very best booty shaker I might add) Everyone should know where she gets those fine booty skills....... No, not from Bryce!!!!

Wait,...Should I actually be happy about her being a good booty shaker?

I also realized that there is no video of Brielle Baby. Although she is definitely not a baby anymore she is very cute and very film worthy. I will work on that. Oh the poor second child. Merry Christmas!

To whom it may concern: I have tried numerous times to update this blog but without success. I apologize for all those that are waiting for news. So here it is finally after figuring a few things out on this blog thing.
We are having a great Christmas season so far. We are pretty much done with our shopping and so now we are simply enjoying the parties and the spirit of the season. Teigan has performed in two dance recitals presented at the Festival of Trees. Her dance costume is Frosty the Snowman. If I can I will post it, but it is too long. How do I shorten the film???
Also, Brielle has started coming to school with me. She is now my student. It is awkward to be both Mother and Teacher simultaneously. She is very bright though and can keep up with the older kids. Teigan attends at the same time but is in another class. I get to teach her during music because it is combined. The only downside is that Teigan calls me Crystal at home now. We have a good time at school because it is a break from home.
Bryce just took part one of the HUGE CFA exams. It was a killer. We don't know until February if he passes. He is very busy with school and work and being the fun dad.
We all look forward to a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Time just flies doesn't it?