Merry Christmas!

To all our friends and family out there in internet land...

Merry Christmas!

And have a Happy New Year!

Love,
--B & K

Glasses!

I recently got glasses because I have developed a very slight near-sightedness and my doctor thought it would be good to wear them for driving at night or going to plays, etc. I have to admit that I was a little skeptical at first but I was really surprised at what a difference they make. I feel lucky that I have had pretty good eye sight my whole life but all the years studying and having to stare at tiny objects at work are starting to take a small toll on my eyes! Here are some fashion shots for mom!!! ( I sort of think I look like Sarah Palin if I pull my hair back)

Christmas in Salt Lake City

Last night was Kristen's Christmas party for her dental office, so we headed up to Salt Lake for a nice dinner at the Roof on Temple Square. We had a great time visiting with her coworkers and then took the chance to see the lights on temple square. Although the lights have definitely been scaled down compared to previous years, they certainly don't disappoint. Here are a few pictures:

A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Hey everybody -- Brandon here. I know, I know... it's been quite awhile since we posted anything, but don't you worry -- we're back!

So the latest adventure in the life of Brandon & Kristen is our Christmas tree. We decided to get a real tree again this year, mostly due to the beautiful tree we had last year. (When I say "we" I mean Kristen -- she wanted one really bad last year so she went and bought one to put in her apartment. I feel ok claiming a little of it though since I helped her set it up and I spent most of December at her apartment anyway!) So anyway... we bought another real tree.

We decided to buy our tree from a small lot in the neighborhood near our condo. There's a family who has been selling tree's out of their front yard 'lot' for the last 5000 years or so, and they seemed to have a pretty good selection. And since I'm all about supporting small business, we bought our tree from them on Tuesday night and took it home. And that's where the adventure begins.

I'll just summarize the adventure by telling you what I've learned this year:

First, DO NOT buy a Christmas tree at night. Despite what you think you can see with the blazing string of 100W bulbs surrounding the lot, don't be fooled! It's not nearly bright enough to get a good look at the tree.

Second, smaller trees don't need quite as much water as bigger, fuller trees. When we got the tree home we put it in the stand, filled the base with water, and went to bed (the guy at the lot cut the base for us before we left). When we woke up in the morning, and when we checked again after work that night, it didn't appear that any water had been consumed. So... we cut the base again.

Third, don't cut the base again without looking at the lowest branches. When we cut the base again, the tree wouldn't fit all the way down in the base anymore because the lowest branches were too low to let the trunk settle in. So we ended up just sitting the tree as far down in as it would go, and we cranked the little pins in as tight as we could.

Fourth, the tree really needs to be all the way down in the base for it to have any amount of stability. We figured that with the pins tightened down we would be ok to start decorating. Wrong, wrong, wrong. When we started decorating, we couldn't even breathe on the tree without it falling over in some direction.

Fifth, maybe a fake tree is the way to go...

Ok, so maybe #5 is bit harsh, but I think we would've avoided all of these life lessons if we'd just had a fake tree. We finally got the tree up and stable, but it required sacrificing yet another row of lower branches. And since these branches were quite substantial, the tree has a little bit of a "special" look to it now.

Never underestimate the power of Kristen to make something look great though. She applied her designers touch to our homely little tree and now it actually looks respectable. Kudos to Kristen for saving Christmas!

Flowers Fill My Love Tank

If you have ever read the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman then you will understand the title of this post. This book was recommended to me by a friend and I really thought it was a great tool to add to my toolbox of knowledge. I would strongly recommend you read this no matter if you are single or married and if you have children. The book talks about how we can speak each others love language when we understand what form speaks love to someone. For example, some people feel loved when you spend quality time with them. For others it might be physical touch- each person is different. It also explains the importance of doing these things for your loved one so that their "Love Tank" is full, not running on empty. At the end of the book you take a quiz and find out what your love languages are. Brandon sent me flowers the other day at work and I melted! Everyone knows how much I love fresh flowers including Brandon! I help to fill Brandon's love tank by cleaning his bathroom once a week (he hates cleaning bathrooms), surprise him at work with lunch, leave notes for him around the house, and watch funny movies with him. I love it when he helps me cook dinner and clean-up, surprises me with gifts (especially handmade ones), compliments me, and leaves special notes and letters for me to find. Both Brandon and I read this book when we were dating and we both feel it helped us better understand each other and what love language we each speak.

Newsie Style With A Twist



I bought this hat at the Battlecreek Boutique and it reminds me of the movie Newsies but with a chic twist! I have found that I can update my outfits with simple accessories without having to break the bank!

It's tough to be a turtle

If any of you think that swimming around in an aquarium all day -- your carefree swimming punctuated only by short stops on the basking platform -- is a tough life.... you'd be right. Just look at Tobias here. You can just tell he's had one of those days...


And just when you think he's in the clear and free to catch some rays, things like this happen with his roommate (Speedy):




Important Note: It has come to our attention that there is some confusion about what is happening in this video. Just remember -- both of our turtles are females... so this is not hanky panky. :)

Yes... Tobias really has to keep his shell right-side up if he's gonna get what he wants from Speedy:



When it's all over though, and he finally gets a chance to relax, all Tobias really wants is to throw his paws over the fence...


... and enjoy the view.

Vitamin K

Hey everyone, Brandon here. As you can see, Kristen does most of the blogging here for the Farmer's, and since she's out this morning. I thought I'd add a little post of my own.

From all of the blog posts she's done, it's easy to tell that Kristen loves to stay busy with decorating, crafts, and trying out new recipes. She's very talented at what she does and I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of her life. She's so great that I've given her the nickname 'Vitamin K' -- because as we all know, Vitamin K is an essential part of your daily diet!

Our 6-month anniversary was just a few weeks ago, and I have to say that these have been the greatest 6 months ever! Kristen is such a wonderful person, and a very dedicated, loving, and wonderful wife. I am constantly trying to find things I can do to keep up with her. About the only thing I can contribute is a mean batch of French toast, and some tasty steaks. That, and the occasional handy-man job. She'll say I'm very handy, but the truth is I'm flying by the seat of my pants most of the time. I'm just glad things work out in the end so she can share what we've been doing lately. Ask her about the kitchen light fixture some time -- you'll see what I mean ;)

So, Kristen, I just want to let you know how great you are, how much I appreciate all the things you do, and how much I love you. I just can't get enough Vitamin K!

Thanks to Cooking Club!

Tonight I made Butternut Squash and Roasted Garlic Bisque and it was delicious! I got the recipe from my cooking club this month, the theme was "Orange and Black." Jeri brought this and I really liked it. When I told Brandon what I was making it for dinner he was a little hesitant but when he tasted the finished product he thought it was quite good! It does take some time to prepare, but it is well worth it. It seems to be pretty low fat and nutritious. Thanks Jeri for the great recipe! (If you'd like to try it let me know and I can send you the recipe)

Projects

Over the last week and a half we have been keeping busy. Last weekend we decided to install a dimmer switch on our track light over the kitchen counter and it is great. It fades in and out when you hit the botton and you can set it to a specific level. It's great for having a little light while watching TV in the family room or when you wake up in the morning and don't want to be blinded! We got ours at Lowes for about $25 dollars and it was very easy to install. We also were brave and decided to change our kitchen faucet. The old one we had was a very simple and inexpensive standard one but it leaked when you turned the water on high and it looked old. We found this one at Lowes too for a reasonable price and it came with an attached hose- very functionable. As Brandon was installing this he realized we also had a leaky water valve so that had to be replaced too. It's crazy how when you start home improvements there is always a suprise or two- always!

Next up on the project list was my ward craft night. I enjoy making and creating fun things but resisted the urge to aquire more holiday decorations I really don't need and settled on baby headband clips. I have this love for flowers and if I had to choose my dream job it would be to own my own flower shop, so when I saw these- I jumped at the chance to learn how to make them (I still need to learn how to make the actual headband). I also made holders to store them on so they don't get lost or smashed.I recieved the latest Pottery Barn magazine the other day and spent this morning looking and drooling at it! Man I tell ya, I would love to win a makeover from them. Since I don't have the money to buy their furniture, linens, and accessories I attempt to make what I already have kinda, sorta, maybe look like theirs. Today I changed around our bookcase and sort of gave it a facelift. I arranged the books differently and added a few accessories. I find that instead of spending a lot of money, you can rearrange a room and it feels like new!

Tagged


My fantastic friend Lauren tagged me the other day so I decided to not disappoint her!

7 Random Things About Me You Might Not Know:

1. I've been deep sea fishing and fly fishing in Alaska and LOVED it! I also caught a 120 lb halibut about 300 ft. down.
2. I have this thing about my toe nails- they always have to look good-trimmed and painted- if they don't I just don't feel put together and will always give myself a pedicure.
3. When I was eight years old I won a beauty pageant and became Miss Yakima Minature Miss!!!
4. I worked for a senator and congressman and I've been to the very top of the US Capital Building. I have also been through some of the underground tunnels, and even saw a bath tub made out of stone.
5. My secret ambition in life is to work for the CIA as an undercover agent and travel to Europe and other places (Have you seen True Lies?)
6. I am the proud Mother of 2 aquatic turtles, 3 zebra fish, and 7 mickey mouse fish. I would adopt a dog and a cat if I had a yard
7. I pride myself on being able to find good deals especially clothes shopping, eating out, and things around the house.

3 Wishes

1. Have a house on the beach or lake- I love the way it looks, feels, and sounds!
2. Take a big trip every year with my husband
3. Always be true to my values and beliefs and find simple joys in everyday life

Tradition Lives On!!!

A few years ago my cousin Kim saw this idea on Martha Stewart and thought it would be a fun, inexpensive fall decoration that also has that "Wow factor" about it. So Kim, Chelsea, and I made it a girls night and spent most of the evening and morning covering not only our pumpkins but ourselves in glitter! The next year Kim moved but Chelsea and I got together and made them again. Now that we all live apart it seems that we still have fun making it even though we are all scattered across the country. I guess you could say it has sort of become a tradition and I hope we can all keep it going! Kim already made hers so I wanted to post the pictures of mine- Brandon even helped out and was surprised at how neat it looks! Want to try this? Just simply select your pumpkins (we use real ones), some fine glitter in fall colors, and a simple glue. Paint the pumpkins and cover with glitter! You can use paper or pie tins to collect the excess glitter and reuse over and over until entire pumpkin is covered. You can display these on a fun charger with leaves around to fill in the gaps! This makes a great centerpiece or displayed on a hearth. At the end of the season just chuck- it's way too messy to store for the year and the pumpkin will rot!

Denny's French Toast
with Buttermilk Syrup!


Brandon and I love making french toast for breakfast or dinner! When Brandon was on his mission in Arizona a member introduced him to buttermilk syrup and it's been a favorite of his since. Here are some pictures of the finished product and the recipe in case you'd like to give it a try. Make sure to follow the recipe exactly for best results! On a side note you will also notice the recipe calls for corn syrup. With the combination of combining all of our spices, etc. when we got married and the few times of being unsure of whether or not we have corn syrup while at the grocery store, we realized we now have 5 bottles of corn syrup- WOW!!! I'm thinking about making a large batch of caramel corn for Halloween!

6 Month Anniversary!


Today marks our sixth month anniversary and it's been the best six months of my life! It's hard to believe that six months have already flown by since Brandon and I were married on April 1st in the Salt Lake City Temple. I feel so blessed to be married to Brandon, I never cease to be amazed by his patience, kindness, humor, and hotness (wink, wink)! We always manage to have a great time together whether we are fixing dinner together, going on a date, or just laying in bed having a good conversation. Thanks Brandon for all that you do, for being you, and for loving me the way no one else can- you're going to be a great dad (someday)!!!

Fall Leaves!
Brandon and I went around the Alpine loop the other day to see all of the beautiful leaves turning color. Last year we did the loop in a red mustang convertible and made a whole day out of it but this year it was a little bit more low key. Sundance offers ski lift rides which iare also really fun and around halloween they do a late night spooky ride which is also fun too!

Tobias & Speedy

As you may or may not know, Kristen and I have a pair of pet turtles by the name of Tobias and Speedy, pictured on the left and right, respectively. They are actually Kristen's brother Scott's, but we take care of them since he can't have pets in his apartment. Speedy is a Red-eared Slider, and Tobias is a Florida Cooter. Ever since we purchased a new basking lamp and platform, we often come home to find them out of the water and soaking up some rays. Often, they have their back legs stuck out straight in the air so it looks like a "super-man" type pose. We'll try to grab a picture of that sometime -- it's pretty funny.

Having turtles has been a lot of fun. I like to sit in my leather chair and watch them swim around in the tank. They are pretty entertaining sometimes, especially when they're hungry. They do this thing where they try and swim through the glass -- that's how we know they're super hungry. I've read that some people call it the "hungry dance." The turtles also do this thing where they get up next to each other, face to face, and shake their paws. I call it their "jazz hands." Apparently it's some kind of mating ritual, but it doesn't work in our case since they are both females.

Anyway, if anyone has ever thought about having a low-key, but still entertaining pet, Turtles are definitely a reasonable option.

UPDATE: Here is the picture I promised: Tobias doing his best Superman impression.

The (Aquatic) world is just awesome

Since today was my Labor Day, Kristen and I decided to go up to Sandy to visit the Living Planet Aquarium. Oh yes... fish, frogs, sharks and sea horses. It's certainly not the largest aquarium you've ever seen, but it was still fun to see the exhibits and some of the sea life they have collected there. My favorite was this large yellow fish, which we saw just outside one of the exhibit collections:



For more of our aquarium pictures, go see the gallery: The Living Planet
After the aquarium we went to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, and then went to visit Grandpa Farmer.

All in all, it was a great day. It sure beat the heck out of work!

An Original! The bidding will start at....

Brandon and I recently went on a date to Color Me Mine, a pottery store where you can paint and create your own masterpiece! We decided to paint a large platter that we could use to display our glass floats and serve large food dishes. Our theme for this was the beach and we set off to create something fun and unique! Three hours later and on the brink of starvation (dinner time had come and gone) we realized we had gotten ourselves into a pretty big project! The pottery required a great deal of paint and we had to carefully plan out our drawings and words by outlining everything in black so that it would differentiate it from the background color. It was also very difficult to paint very thin lines and to get the paint to only go where you wanted!!! It was during this time we started joking about how everything was going to look in the end and Brandon proposed we might consider telling people our primary class made it for us in order to save embarrassment!

What was even funnier was when we finally finished and we took the platter up front to turn it to be fired. A women and her daughter asked to see our piece which we hesitantly held up and they asked if we were making it for a gift (I think they thought we were younger and making it for our parents) and then the little 5 year old girl who was with them asked if that thing at the bottom was a boy playing in the sand and I had to kindly say, "No, that is a crab in the sand!" Brandon then whispered, "See, this is the kind of ridicule I can't handle!" As we left the store we were both dying with laughter as we went to get some much needed dinner!

Brandon here -- lest you think this story ends in tragedy, with a pair of "young" artists having their hopes and dreams smashed by a little girl. We are happy to report the plate turned out... not so bad. See for yourselves:

See... it didn't turn out that bad!