"i cry the day we take the tree down... "

Growing up I remember listening to the song, "I cry the day we take the tree down, I want the season to last all year round..." This line seemed to be on repeat in my head yesterday as Sam and I put all the Christmas decorations away(all 2 tuber-wares). I wasn't really crying but reflecting back on this Christmas season and remembering all we had done and memories we'd created.

This was my second year being married during Christmas. I didn't think that we could have more fun than last year but I was wrong. We enjoyed going from party to party, spending time with family and friends, eating delicious foods, playing fun gams, and being away from school and work.

Sam and I are trying to start our own traditions that hopefully our future family will continue. One of these traditions is to get our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. We are forced to get a skinny tree because we don't have much space. This year we got our tree and got the extension cords out to discover a fuse had been broken. It was too late to run to the store so I decided to hang all of my ornaments from the ceiling above the fireplace instead. It looked so festive, it felt like I had moved into new house. Later we decorated our tree with fancy garlands and stars.
One of my favorite parts of this Christmas was picking out presents for everyone on my "nice list". This year I was feeling extra creative and decided to make festive pillows for our friends. I had the best time designing and decorating these pillows. I found myself really productive throughout the day to allow me extra time to decorate more and complete the project. This picture is a picture of my first batch of pillows. I ended up making about 15 and can't wait to continue making things with my mom's help. If you want one let me know, I'd love to make more!

We seem to have a bit of a holiday-hang over here at the Richard's house. We are enjoying having a break from our everyday lives and responsibilities. We hope that you are too!

Happy New Year from our house to yours.

the search is over...

Those of those who know me well know that I am a very organized person. I like to have a plan, and just in case that plan doesn't work have four more back up plans. Well, unfortunately when you are job hunting you have to be a little more flexible, and your plans don't always turn out the way intended.

Anticipating my graduation I decided to start looking for jobs in about October. I spent way too much time searching on line for any job that I was qualified for. It was exhausting, time consuming and most of all frustrating because I wanted to be an exercise specialist. There were plenty of exercise specialist jobs outside of Utah but none to be found in state. With the encouragement of my family(mom) and my motivational husband I kept searching and focused on trying to make myself a better candidate for when a job did turn up. I met with a career counselor who taught me how to more effectively search for job. She proof read my resume and basically encouraged to keep looking.

Well November 19th I found an exercise specialist job. This particular job was at the University of Utah working in the preventive cardiology unit. Ironically Cardiac Rehabilitation was my ultimate goal as a professional. When I chose Exercise and Sport Science I hesitated because I didn't want to be a personal trainer for the rest of my life, I wanted to influence others and promote healthy lifestyle. Cardiac Rehab is where this happens every day. An exercise specialist works with a patient the day after they were emitted to the hospital no matter why they are there. They help people be able to get back to normal life again. Well I had my first professional interview in my life(my second interview ever) about a week ago and I am looking forward to starting my career as a clinical exercise specialist because yesterday they called and asked me if I'd be interested in the job!. "heck yes I would!" I start January 4th and I can't wait to be living my dream. I have so much to learn about different heart procedures, medications, and complications but I think it's the best next step in my life. I am so excited to start specializing in cardiac rehab exercise!

Here's the link of where I'll be in case you are interested. http://healthcare.utah.edu/prevcard/

we survived!

Finals are over and we couldn't be happier! We have been on the go since and are so happy to be filling our life with family parties, friend parties, and everything in between. I couldn't think of anything better for Christmas then finishing school and knowing that I don't have to go back in January . It's official I have finished my undergraduate degree in Exercise and Sport Science and it feels great! I'm currently job hunting, studying to get a National certification, and contemplating getting a Masters in nutrition. Sam pounded out a tough semester studying until the very end. I was so proud of his determination and dedication to school throughout the entire semester.

Our dear fish, Fred didn't make it through finals. He stuck with us through it all and Thursday afternoon passed on from this life. We are actually truly sad that he is gone. Fred was a gift to us at our first wedding shower from Rich and Carrie Cook. Fred was the perfect pet. He was never too loud. He always did what he was told. He was always clean and willing to take a bath. And most of all he loved me and Sam for who we were, no matter what! He's been a great first pet and I'm hoping we can get another before Christmas so I don't have to look at this empty bowl.

We love you Fred, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

twenty-six hours to go

twenty-six hours until Sam is done with finals.

I think I am more excited than him

I can't wait to be able to hang-out with him without a time limit

go sam go!!!!

wow! time sure flies in between posts around here. i have been meaning to share this chocolate cake recipe since thanksgiving and apologize for the delay, as many have asked for it. sam and i were assigned to bring something chocolate to the roberson thanksgiving and we decided to bring a three layer chocolate cake. it was our first time making a layered cake and i was so relieved that it turned out great! here's a great recipe for a great chocolate cake. enjoy!

Ingredients for the cake and frosting

• 8 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate squares
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Chocolate Truffle Filling, divided
• 10 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate squares, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons whipping cream
• 1 to 2 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate squares, finely grated

Preparation

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a large heavy saucepan over low heat, and cook, stirring constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, and let mixture cool slightly (about 10 minutes).

Whisk together eggs and vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually whisk in melted chocolate mixture until blended and smooth.

Combine flour and next 3 ingredients; whisk into chocolate mixture until blended and smooth.

Pour batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans.

Bake at 325° for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans, and let cool completely on wire racks.

Spread 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Chocolate Truffle Filling evenly on top of 1 cake layer. Top with 1 cake layer; spread 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Chocolate Truffle Filling evenly on top, reserving remaining 1/2 cup Chocolate Truffle Filling. Top with remaining cake layer.

Microwave coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate squares and cream in a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute and then every 30 seconds until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Let cool slightly (about 15 minutes).

Spread warm semisweet chocolate mixture over top and sides of cake. Chill cake 30 minutes or until chocolate glaze is firm. Pipe border using a rosette tip around bottom of cake with remaining 1/2 cup Chocolate Truffle Filling. Sprinkle finely grated semisweet chocolate evenly over top of cake.

Ingredients for the truffle filling, in between layers

• 4 (1-ounce) semisweet chocolate squares
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup whipping cream, divided
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Preparation

Microwave semisweet chocolate squares and 6 tablespoons butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 1/2 to 2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in 1/4 cup whipping cream. Stir in 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, adding remaining 1/4 cup whipping cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, if necessary, until mixture is smooth and creamy. Let mixture cool completely

Links

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1023659 truffle filling

http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1023658 cake