Valentine's Day and other notable events

We hope our readers took a chance to express love to their loved ones this Valentine's Day!

The past week or so since we've written has been very full. In fact, we both feel like much more time has passed than actually has.

Last Monday and Tuesday we had the pleasure of hosting Thomas' dad while he was in town. Although his travel-days were packed with meetings and visits, we did get a chance to spend time with him in the evenings. We attended the Carl Bloch exhibit at the BYU Museum of Art with him on Monday night, and made a quick trip to the Provo temple together on Tuesday.

Great exhibit - catch it while it's still here! The altar pieces took my breath away.

Thanks, Dad, for the yummy treats! (The Pim's - those were amazing. Unlike anything I've tried before!)

On Friday evening, we decided to take a walk down Center St. to check out the latest happenings. It was so nice to be able to go on a leisurely walk! The temperature, while still cold, was not as cold as we've seen it recently, so we didn't even have to overly-bundle up. As we ambled along, we smelled some delicious smells wafting our way from the Indian restaurant across the street. We decided that after a few more blocks, we would cross the street and dine there on our way home.

India Palace was my first experience at an Indian restaurant, and wow, it was a good one. Thomas ordered the Tandoori Lamb and I chose the Chicken Korma (medium spice). Both were delicious. Thomas' dish was very spicy, but mine was just to my liking. Perfect, really. I look forward to going back! It was a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day.

When we got home that night, our living room light totally died. The fixture was never really bright with just one bulb, and its wiring was so old that we decided to get a new fixture altogether. Thomas put up the new light on Saturday, and it's been almost life-changing! It is actually useful for reading at night.

On Valentine's Day itself, Thomas and I made mini s'mores. We roasted mini marshmallows using a candle, and put them on broken-up graham crackers with chocolate chips. It was fun, even though the marshmallows did not come close to melting the chocolate.

Aside from these fun, out-of-the-ordinary activities, we have been keeping busy with school, work, and our church callings (...and of course, we've made some time to cook yummy things). School in particular has been occupying much of our time, as we read books, write papers, and prepare for and take our exams. This weekend will (hopefully) be a chance for us to pause and catch up on the things we need to do!

Happy Presidents' Day!
oxox

Says Groundhog: Winter is Nigh a Thing of the Past

That's right: Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow this year, giving the okay for spring to roll on in.

Sunset scene from BYU

Maeser building at BYU - Thomas is having fun mastering his camera!

The walk home from campus on the straight streets of Provo!

That, of course, means that we need to get caught up with our blog in order to make room for the many future happenings that may or may not occur.

Another sunset scene

the mountains

First off, Lisa's been great at planning out our meals so that we shop for things that apply to specific dinners rather than making dinners out of the random foods we have. This has allowed us to continue to stay in our budget as well as make many more deliciously dandy delicacies (including homemade chimichangas). We'd suggest doing this to all readers.

For our twin nieces' birthday, we constructed a fun hairbow-holder.

fun (& easy) project!

Late last month we saw Thomas' Grandma Bradshaw, a few days past her 89th birthday!

Grandma Elma & Thomas - the photos on the wall are some ancestors, the Singletons. Elma has done a TON of family history work in her lifetime for which we are very grateful!

We went up to the Bountiful Utah temple after our visit to walk around the grounds and take some pictures.

Bountiful temple

Bountiful temple

We watched a bit more of Remington Steele (starring Pierce Brosnan) as well as the 2003 version of The Italian Job.

We had our neighbours for burritos...

The Hamblins & the Bradshaws

...and some other friends over for lasagna.

David & new daughter Ellie

Shari & new daughter Ellie

We were privileged to attend the baptism of one of Lisa's cousins. Afterward, we headed to Provo's Brick Oven Pizza and enjoyed family company.

Miss Sarah's baptism day!

Sassy 8-year-old

David & Sarah enjoying root beer

mmmm... pizza!

We also went to our first "Linger Longer" in our ward today, contributing zucchini chocolate chip cookies.