Strawberry Fun in St. George

I know it's been forever since I last posted but we've been having too much fun in Utah to bother. We spent our first week in Salt Lake with the Alba's and now we're in St. George with the Doxey's. We're trying to cherish every moment we have with our friends and family because who knows when we'll all be together again.

Every New Year's Eve I make homemade chocolate covered strawberries. They are my very favorite treat! I had a few mishaps with the chocolate getting too hot and clumpy so I had to throw it away and start over. This was the first time I'd ever drizzled white chocolate for a decorative touch but I think it looks so pretty! I also made a real New York Cheesecake, which is in the oven as I type. I'm so excited! I hope it turns out yummy!

Food is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. I think I have gained like 5 pounds in the past week, but I really don't care. It's totally worth it. I would never want to deny myself the happiness that comes from delicious food! Tonight we're going to First Night. It should be fun!

National Tree

We went into the District last night and saw the National Tree by the White House. Neither one of us was a big fan of the tree itself. As a country, I think we could have done a lot better. It was a fun night, though.







Andrea made cookies when we got home. Delicious.


P.S. We leave for Utah today! My favorite part about coming home after being gone for a while is the mountains. They look enormous when you haven't seen them in a while.

Doxey Family Christmas Traditions

Christmas at the Doxey household is the greatest thing ever. I'm going to miss it this year but am excited to get to experience all of the Alba family traditions! Some of the Doxey traditions are the following:

- We eat our big Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve and go out to Chinese food with our neighbors on Christmas Day. Yum!

- We do Secret Santa to a few families in the neighborhood. Every night for the 12 days prior to Christmas, we leave a little gift or treat along with a poem on their doorstep. We ring the bell and run. For 12 days the kids in the family are trying to catch their secret little elves, but to no avail. On Christmas Eve, the my whole family goes over together to finally reveal ourselves to the family. It's so much fun!

- We read the Christmas story out of the Bible in front of the fireplace while drinking hot chocolate and eating the many, many treats my mom has made.

- We sing Christmas carols as a family around the piano.

- On Christmas Eve, we go caroling on hay bails sitting on a trailer with the neighbors.

- Like everyone else, we get new pj's every Christmas Eve.

- All the girls in the house sleep upstairs. Lauren usually wakes us all up early and we gather in Jessica's room and read Christmas stories and wait until we hear the bell ringing downstairs. The bell is our signal that we can run down the stairs to open our gifts!

There are many more, but I'm sure you're all bored, so I'll stop here!
(By the way, the nutcracker above is my favorite new Christmas decoration. I love nutcrackers! I want to see the ballet this year!)

Surprise Face!

Something we do to lighten the mood when the camera's out. Just squeeze and contort your face really fast while the camera-man takes the pictures. The results are obviously hilarious (or terrifying).

Back to School?

Dear Ms. Andrea Doxey Alba:

We are pleased to inform you that you have been admitted to the College of Professional Studies' Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificate program for the Spring 2008 semester. On behalf of the College of Professional Studies, we would like to offer you our congratulations. Welcome to The George Washington University.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX XXXXX
Manager of Admissions
The George Washington University
College of Professional Studies

I finally heard back from them! I submitted my application in September but there was a problem with my transcript from BYU. Blah, blah, blah, long story. The good news is that I got in! Since I graduated a year ago, I have been craving school again. I miss learning! I loving feeling productive and being busy. I'm not one of those people that can just sit around and be content with doing nothing.

The program takes two semesters of night classes twice a week. Classes are held in downtown DC at The George Washington University. The courses are taught by both attorneys and paralegals. The material is basically the same as the first year of law school. Legal Research and Writing, Litigation, Corporate and Contracts Law, American Jurisprudence.... I can also choose an emphasis.

I need help deciding if I should do it or not. On one hand, I'm dying to get more education. Being a paralegal would be perfect because (1) it will help me and Adam start our own law firm someday :), (2) the pay is great, (3) it would be a career I could take to any city or use at any time in my life, and (4) I might even like it!

On the other hand, (1) the 8 month program costs more than my entire 4 year college education at BYU, (2) do I really want to have homework again? and (3) it's sometimes possible to become a paralegal without even having a certificate. Is this even what I want to do with my life? I don't know!

What do y'all think?

P.S. In other news, Adam finished his first AWFUL semester of law school today! Yipee! He sure has been a trooper. The first semester is both the most difficult and the most important one. He also has two interviews set up with firms for summer internships. They would both be paid (We're crossing our fingers)! Congratulations darling!

LUCKY!

Three and a half years ago (has it really been that long?!?) my sister Jessica and I went on a study abroad program with BYU to Europe. We spent 8 glorious weeks studying art history in the places it was actually created, having lectures in museums, gardens, cathedrals, and even city streets. We made it to 14 countries and over 40 cities in about 60 days. We slept in some scary places (the hostel in London where there were bloodstains on my sheets and mold growing on the damp floor & the overnight train where our passports were stolen by the Slovakian fake policeman who wouldn't give them back unless we paid him 30 euros) but survived. I made the best friends of my life (love you guys!) and was truly changed by this experience.

Today my little sister Rachelle was accepted to the same program! She'll be a cute little European tourist spring semester. Even though I've already been, I am still so jealous of her! I think once you've been to Europe and discovered for yourself how wonderful it is, you'll always be obsessed with going back. At least I am. Europe is the most magical place on earth. The cobblestone streets, the old buildings, the music, the art, the food, the atmosphere.... *Sigh*. It's so fabulous!

I am a firm believer that education should take place outside the classroom as well as inside. I learned more during my study abroad than I did during the rest of college combined. It was the highlight of my college education. I am so happy that Rachelle gets to have her own experience! Good luck girl!

Some funny videos for your enjoyment

I stole these videos off Dooce's blog because they were so hilarious.



There is no way this can be real. It totally sounds like it is, but it's hard to believe. He's amazing!


This is exactly how Adam is when he is sick. It's so annoying and endearing at the same time.

DC Temple Festival of Lights

For our date night last week, Adam and I went to see the Festival of Lights at the temple. I wasn't prepared for how spectacular it would be! It might have even been even more decked out than Temple Square but just not as big. It was so beautiful!

We walked around and looked at all of the lights and then waited in a big long line to get into the auditorium. Every night December 1st - January 1st there is a different performing group from the area that puts on a show. We watched a big group of fluting children (is that how you say it?) that were very talented. I always get so jealous watching people that have amazing musical abilities, especially when they are only 6 years old and they can already play better than I could after 12 years of lessons.

There were GORGEOUS Christmas trees up all over the visitor's center- probably like 15 of them- all decorated differently. We also enjoyed looking at nativity sets from all around the world. I don't have one yet because I can't find one that I really like. I want one that's not cheesy but really different. Does anyone have any ideas of where I could go to get one?

Anyone in the DC area- make sure you don't miss this fun Christmas experience! Call us if you're going because we would love to go again with you!

halfway there

I have slain the Contracts 1 Dragon

1 down, 3 to go

I'm so done with that class.

Todd the Spider

Are any of you aspiring arachnologists able to identify this spider? We found this little bugger the other day. He was a little bit bigger than my thumb. I couldn't kill him. I like living things. I also would have felt bad because he's big enough to be somebody's pet. I told Andrea to never forget that where there is one, there are many, many more ..... under her pillow and in her sheets.

Virginia is for Fall Lovers

Some pictures from my walk this morning. These don't even do the fall here justice. Sorry Utah, Virginia wins the "Most Amazingly, Breathtakingly Gorgeous Fall" award!

Support Live Music

Adam and I recently decided that we need to go on a weekly date night. A real, actual, formal date, not just "hanging out" with each other. We've been pretty bad about it since we've been married and we decided it's time for a change. There's something so exciting about going on an actual date. I love putting on a cute outfit, wearing more makeup than usual and actually doing my hair. I love the anticipation of the date too. I love having something to look forward to.

For this week's date, we went to a concert. We discovered a music venue/cafe right here in our neighborhood that has live music seven nights a week by local, regional and nationally touring musicians. I'm so glad we found it! I have a feeling that it is going to be the location of many dates while we live here.

Last night we listened to a guy named Matt White play. He was awesome! His style is kind of pop/acoustic, really peppy and fun to listen to. His songs have been featured on a bunch of movies. He even told us that one of his music videos actually made it to #12 on the VH1 top 20 and that he also just got off tour with Third Eye Blind. He has a great voice and a talent for songwriting. His band was awesome too.

The atmosphere of the venue was really intimate. We sat at a table right in front of the stage and enjoyed the show while we ate nachos and a brownie sundae. Yum! He had two opening acts that each played for quite awhile, and we got to talk to them afterwards.

Live music is so much fun!

For all you readers who live in the Washington area, you should check out Jammin Java's calendar to see if there's anyone you want to go see. Support live music!

I Love the Alba's!

Surprise Date Night

Adam totally and completely spoiled me Friday night. He planned a surprise date for us! He told me in the morning that he was taking me out so I was excited all day. I got dressed up and we rode the metro to our surprise location. We went to the Melting Pot- the delicious fondue restaurant. We got the Big Night Out- cheese fondue served with bread, veggies, and apples; salads; broth fondue served with filet mignon, chicken, potstickers, salmon, and teriyaki sirloin, and assorted veggies; and finally milk chocolate caramel fondue (flambed table side) and served with cheesecake, brownies, strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, rice krispie treats, and angel food cake. Holy crap it was good! We had so much fun! Eating there is a whole dining experience, not just eating out. It takes a long time- we were there for 2 1/2 hours.


We then came home to the art project that Adam had set up before we left. He had bought a bunch of supplies for watercoloring. It was something neither of us had done in a long time, but was so fun. I have to say that my work of art was a lot more creative and let's just say, better, than his. :) I let go of my inhibitions and painted with feeling. He was very analytical about his and it turned out pretty weird. Ha ha.

Why no posts?

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but I haven't really felt up to it. I've been having a tough time lately, but I promise I'll start blogging again when I'm feeling better.

some pics

self portrait

Beautiful

Love letter for the day.

P.S. She's probably going to be very embarrassed when she sees this.

State Signs

On our move across the country I took pictures of all of the state signs each time we crossed a state line. I've had the intention of posting them for a few months now but haven't gotten around to it until now. It's a fun reminder to me of all the places we got to see (even though Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois all looked the exact same- BORING!). I also included the signs of a few states we've visited since we have lived here.


Okay, it's still hot here! The weather keeps teasing us. We'll have a few days where it is really starting to feel like fall- cool crisp air, falling leaves, low humidity- but then it changes again drastically. Today was in the 80's with 80% humidity! I wish it would just really feel like fall and stay that way. But I have to say that the trees are just stunning. I don't know if they're prettier than in Utah or if there are just more trees to look at. They are everywhere. The greenery is one of my favorite things about the East Coast.

You all should move out here too! You'd love it!

It's Finally Fall Here!

Adam and I went to Shenandoah National Park with my cousin's husband Jeff toady who is visiting for the weekend. It was so much fun and so beautiful! We timed the trip just right. The leaves on almost every single tree are changing and it was spectacular. I've never been on a prettier drive in my life. We also did a 6 mile hike to some waterfalls. It felt good to get out of the city and spend some time in nature.


The colors of fall.

8 things you might not know about me

I got tagged by Laura Edwards to fill this out.

1. I had three front teeth. Yes, three. But before you think it's gross I have to say that it was embedded in my gums and you couldn't even see it. It was just preventing my two front teeth from growing together. So I had surgery to remove it when I was seven. I still have it to this day! I looks like an ice cream cone. :)

2. My left thigh is an entire inch bigger than my right thigh.

3. I played Pluto, Eeyore, Rafiki, Prince John, Friar Tuck, Buzz Lightyear, Flora, Fauna, Merriweather, Mr. Smee, and a Green Army Man at Disney World. I also did a lot of parades. I was a dancing broomstick in the Dreams Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom every day and also did the nighttime Spectro Magic parade. My costume weighed 75 pounds with all of the electrical wiring! It was one of the most magical times of my life!

4. I am married to a half-Mexican man. Our children will be 1/4 Mexican. I hope they will have his complexion and beautiful dark eyes.

5. My left wrist was crushed between a houseboat and a wave runner at Lake Powell. Not fun.

6. I unfortunately wore braces for almost 5 years. I was the saddest looking child you've ever seen.

7. I was the lead in the high school musical, Footloose.

8. I don't eat vegetables. It's not like I think they're gross but I'll eat them if I have to. I really won't eat them. Period. It's getting really awkward, especially in social situations like at dinners with people I'm supposed to impress. I know I need to grow up and eat them, but I just can't bring myself to do it. When I was little I used to throw up on my plate at the dinner table if my parents made me. They would laugh and then ground me. But after many, many years of trying and failing, they gave up on me.

I tag Jane Alba and Molly Young!

A Lovely Saturday

We had such a great Saturday! We started off the day by going for a super long bike ride and a picnic with our fun friends Rachel & James. We rode the Mount Vernon trail which starts in Virginia and runs parallel to the Potomac River and then crosses into D.C. The trail was busy with runners, the parks were full of families playing games, and the monuments were full of tourists. The weather was gorgeous and it couldn't have been a better day for a ride. We stopped at the Lincoln Memorial for a picnic and then rode further into D.C. to the GW campus. We also went to Georgetown. The ride was about 12 miles round trip and I was pretty pooped at the end- especially considering I had already done 3 miles on the treadmill this morning! I love getting outside and being active though, especially in the fall. It is my favorite season hands down!





We then went to the house of some other GW students to watch the U of U game and eat pizza. It is so fun to have so many other people like us out here that are in our same situation. You know, young couples attending law school. A lot of them are from Utah actually. I'm really surprised at how many people there are from Utah here. Washington is like the Utah of the East!

We also went to Costco to get some groceries and Adam even bought me polka dot galoshes. I've wanted some forever and they were really cheap and really cute! I can't wait for it to rain or snow so that I can wear them!


The night wasn't complete until we watched some episodes from The Office. Adam accumulates points from using a legal research database at school and he saved up enough points to get season 3. It's a pretty sweet deal actually. In fact, we know people who have saved up enough points during law school to buy a video iPod. Our next purchase with the points is going to be seasons 1 & 2.

I realize that this post is turning kind of blabby and pointless but who really cares? I like posting blogs and I don't really care if they're all perfectly written and interesting! :)

I Love to Travel!

Whenever we have a free weekend, the first thing I do is try to convince Adam to put down the books and go somewhere fun with me. In the one short year we've been married, we've been able to travel to Cabo San Lucas, Chicago, New York City, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Washington D.C. (we vacationed here before we moved here so it still counts), Detroit, Reykjavik (Iceland), Gettysburg, and Philadelphia. He also came to Orlando to visit me while I was working at Disney World before we were married.

I always like to have a list of the next 5 places I would like to see. I actually have two lists. One is my realistic list. The list of places that we could actually afford to go. Right now it's:
1. Boston
2. Charlottesville
3. Miami
4. New Orleans
5. Seattle



















The other list is my dream list. Places that I know I will probably never see but hope to someday. In no specific order, they are:
1. The Holy Land (Israel, Jordan)
2. Mediterranean Cruise (Spain, Morocco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt)
3. The South Pacific (Fiji, Guam, Samoa, Tonga)
4. Japan
5. Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines)
6. Australia & New Zealand
7. Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland)
8. Bahamas & Caribbean
9. Brazil
10. India

There's no way I can keep my dream list to only 5 places!

tripod

I begged my sweet, gorgeous, nice and wonderful wife Andrea for a tripod a few weeks ago and we finally got to use it a bit. These are a few shots from our small excursion to the Western side of the Potomac.

Speedy tourists.


An inch is a second (airplane with blinking lights).


Night traffic.


Creepy wax figure.