fricken (below) freezin!

As I type this it is -5 degrees in Bozeman. And that is a balmy -5 compared to like -20 this morning. I had a dentist appt at 7 am and I couldn't get my car to start so I ran the 2.5 blocks to the dentist. I ran not because I was late but because it was so cold out that I didn't want to freeze to the sidewalk if I went too slowly. Then I ran the 2.5 blocks home where luke was able to start my car. The suby doesn't like cold weather, so Im going to start parking her in the garage.

Speaking of the garage, We have new neighbors! Its exciting. Kenny and Katie are about our age and have two little kids. Emily and her friend live below them and are like 18 or 19. This is their first apartment. The amazing thing is that I have everyone trained that I get the spot under the carport. But now I'm going to park in the garage and let kenny and katie take the carport and then luke and emily and her friend can fight for the other three spots. With our old neighbors it was a free for all and if you were lucky you got home first and got to park in the carport. The garage was completely out of the question due to all the junk they had stored in there. Now that I'm the top dog I get to make some rules. Or else I'm just getting major respect. Either way, I dig it. I've lived there long enough for some perks.

Winter Wonderland

Winter has arrived in Bozeman. We've had little bits of snow so far, and then last night it snowed 2-3", making all the trees look beautiful. Its supposed to snow again this afternoon.

We have been busy lately (big surprise). Friday was a birthday party for our little buddy Colby. He turned 5 and had a batman birthday party. Luke and I made the top 4 friends list. I know you're all jealous. Saturday I had play practice and quilting and Luke studied. This is the last week of his semester and it will be nice for him to have a few weeks off. Last night we went to a holiday open house for awhile. It ws nice to visit with friends.

This thursday is my work's "4th Annual Charity Open House." We invite all our clients over for food and drink and fun. Its always an adventure, and this year will be no exception. Right now we have 25 people RSVP'd. I dont know how we'll fit them all in the office!

Were looking forward to Christmas at the cabin with my family and Luke's mom. Christmas dinner is in butte with ALL my mom's family. Right now there are 32 people planned for dinner.

I Passed my Test!!!

Good news! I passed my national massage exam! I am so thankful. I studied so hard for that test. Its such a relief to be done. I almost dont know what to do with myself now that I dont have to study any more. Luke is pretty happy too, because now he has his wife back.

We had a good thanksgiving in Kalispell with Vicki. It was nice. Very relaxing. We stopped in Thompson Falls on the way to see my parents. Its not exactly on the way, but close enough not to pass up the opportunity. My mom knew we were coming but didnt' tell my dad, so he was very suprised and excited to see us. It was nice to be home for just a few hours. And my mom was happy that I brought back some more stuff. Some clothes and lots of fabric. Luke wasn't happy about that after our black friday shopping because it took up lots of room in the truck and we were running low on room.

We had a blast shopping. We got most of our christmas shopping done. We just have a few more things to get/make. We set up our tree on Sunday and I wrapped some presents so it looks really nice in our house.

Fun Weekend with the Fam.

This weekend my parents were in town for the last home game for bobcat football. They stayed on Friday night and we went out to dinner with my parents and my brothers. We had a blast. It was just a lot of fun. Everyone was on their best behavior and we were telling stories and just having fun. It was really nice. Then we hung out at our house for awhile and scott and mark left. Were all goign to be together at christmas too, so that will be fun.

On Saturday morning my parents and luke and I had breakfast with bob. That was nice too. My dad and bob razzed eachother about their bobcat/grizzly rivalry. And talked football. Of course.

I spent all day yesterday studying for my big test. I took almost 20 practice tests. I am consistently getting in the 70s & 80s percentile-wise. I need a 70% to pass. On saturday night I was sooo stressed about my test, but after all my studying yesterday I feel much better about it. Phew! The test is coming up in like 9 days. yikes!

Where's Rachel Ray when we need her?

It has been about a week since Luke got his wisdom teeth pulled. Unfortunately, things aren't going so well. He is still in pain and still can't eat normal food. Were still constrained to smooth foods and those that fall into the non-chewing category. This includes soup, mac-n-cheese, yogurt, applesauce, ice cream, etc. This making dinner thing is getting to be difficult. Were getting tired of mac-n-cheese and soup. And really, tomato soup just isn't the same without grilled cheese sandwiches, which require the use of teeth. Plus, we need protein. Last night Luke wanted sweet potato casserole, so I made it. Something wasn't quite right, but it was still good. I don't think potatoes are my forte, though. And chicken is pretty much out of the question, as is ham, steak, etc. We did manage some ground beef/tomato/mac-n-cheese concoction the other day. Help! Im running out of ideas. When I got my wisdom teeth out I was eating real food within a week I think. I wish there was some way I could make grilled cheese tomato soup. Like the grilled cheese part was part of the soup. I'll have to see if I can figure that out. And poor luke, all he wants is a steak!

luke's lack of teeth

Last wednesday Luke got his wisdom teeth out. He got the two top teeth out. One of them had three roots in it. Hes been doing pretty well, but hes still in pain and really tired. Its been hard for him to just lay around. Thats so the opposite of him. Me, on the other hand, would be fine with a week of laying on the couch. I'd watch lots of movies and read books and stuff. Luke was stir crazy after about a day. Luckily, its been slow for him at work lately so its not too big of a deal for him to be gone.

I have been studying like crazy for my test. I joined a website called massageprep.com. For $49 I have access to all their practice tests for a month. It has been a huge help. Best $49 I've spent. There are practice tests for the different sections and body systems, plus actual NCBTM tests that are timed so that I can practice. I did a practice test yesterday and got a 75% I think. You have to have a 70% to pass, so things are looking good. Plus, I told myself no quilting or beading or reading new books until Im done with my test, so thats some motivation to study. I have two weeks left of studying. Its going well, but I still have lots to do.