On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

Sometimes the unexpected happens... sometimes the expected. And other times, things come from so far out of left field that you didn't even know they were possible. Below is my life's current left-fielder. The facts in this story are true, the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Jon has NEVER made a gingerbread house before. As in, "never"! Well, up until this week anyway, when my sis-in-law made it possible for Jon to experience one of the season's greatest and tastiest joys. Because Jon does construction for a living, his natural talents really were put to the test!

He thoroughly enjoyed building and experimenting with the candy additions. I was quite proud and am greatly pleased with his new-found love for this time of year. Mostly, it was a testimony to me that Jon is in the right line of work! We will be just like George and Mary Bailey (It's a Wonderful Life) and build lovely homes for people and feel fulfilled and wonder what our lives would be like if we'd never been born (ok, not the last part, but it's such a great movie that it deserved more than just one reference).

That's all from the left field for now. We sincerely hope that this Christmas is a blessed one for our family and friends. In the meantime, Jon won't be quitting his day job... or will he??

Why I love Christmas...

Last weekend I was in Salt Lake for the wedding of one of my best friends, Crystal. It was a beautiful wedding despite the tornado-like winds :)

Each time I leave town, Jon gets me a welcome home gift. This time it was wrapped in Cardinals paper (perfect!) and it was a Christmas tree! BEST WELCOME HOME GIFT EVER! And this from the man, who, 7 months ago, wasn't a true holiday celebrator.

In honor of this Christmas tree (that we'll put up when we move in a few weeks), I've decided to make a list of the top ten reasons I love Christmas:

10) Christmas music is my favorite. Nothing lifts my spirits quite like hearing the Christmas season via radio.

9) I love decorating the tree.

8) TBS' marathon of "A Christmas Story"!

7) My mom makes the yummiest Christmas breakfast.

6) Video chatting with my nieces and nephews on Christmas is always fun and hilarious!

5) McDonald's gift card for $5.

4) Gift-giving and guessing.

3) Sharing the day with the people I love the most!

2) Telling my mom that Christmas is only 365 days away :)

1) The miracle of our Savior's birth.

Love- Courtney (and Jon)

Boyce Carlsruh Reunion

Last month we had our Boyce/Carlsruh reunion! It definitely ranks in my TOP THREE events of Summer 2011.

Jon finally got to meet alllllll of my siblings (Boyces and Carlsruhs alike) and he thoroughly enjoyed himself!

So I Married A Genius...

We took a lovely trip to Indiana a few weeks ago to visit with Jon's family. We drove home on a Sunday, so decided to listen to a CD we received for our wedding (For All Eternity - from Brian and Terah!)

We had time for two of the five CD's and were enjoying what we were learning, though we were a little distressed that the CD was so choppy- stories and concepts were cut off semi-abruptly. We quickly realized that it was surely just a randomly assorted collection of talks and that was why the stories were cutting off at seemingly awkward times.

This fabulous collection of talks taught us a lot about criticizing peo... and listening to each ot... and many more helpful tips for our marr...

About 20 miles from home, my darling, talented, spirited, clever, and inspired Jonathan, turned the CD player off of random.

Not all women can be so lucky. I just wonder if the CD's are as profound when in order.

UPDATE

Jon just started a second job. He is working basically from 7 am until 9:30 pm every blooming day. He is a hard worker and I'm so grateful :)

Our receptions went so well! It was great to see so many people we love. I'm mostly glad to never have to wear a wedding dress again though...

I'm in classes this summer, which keeps me super busy (though not as busy as I should be!) Luckily I am able to find the time to lay out and keep a decent tan as well.

Life is good, we are trucking along and still attempting to merge two people's belongings into one little apartment.

Last week I made Peanut Butter cookies to celebrate our 2-month anniversary :) Jon ate at least 30 of them, so a good anniversary gift it was!

That's all for now - more to come when there is more to say...

-C J Howell

28 Days and Counting...

It's hard to believe that we've been married for four weeks already!

Life is an adjustment, and marriage is no exception, though no one tells you that part. I won't spill any beans - marriage is wonderful :)

We have a unique and wonderful opportunity this weekend to be with so many of my favorite people (who will soon be Jonathan's favorites as well, I'm sure). This will be a weekend to remember!

If only I could remember to care that I have still have two finals to finish by Tuesday...

Happy Trails!