Sports are on? I'm sorry, I must've walked into the wrong house...

There are 3 events when sports are watched in our house. The Olympic Games, soccer World Cup and Ute football, most of these are watched by me. I still find it funny that when I was 14 and created that list of qualities I want in a husband in young womens. I put down "Loves Basketball." That was during the glory days of BYU basketball with Coach Reed before he said some embarrassing statements. I was very into BYU sports until I went to the U of U and converted into a die hard Ute fan. Both going to the University of Utah our house is red instead of the true blue households we grew up in. I captured these photos below because you only see this once a year during the BYU/Utah game and even last year we were in France.

Snuggle Bug

I was making my Christmas cards last week and these are the pics Chris took. He said we needed to add a Scotty blog since I blogged about Sally being our fly catcher. Sally is completely Chris' dog even though I BEGGED for her. They are best buds. Last February I saw Scotty at a shelter and fell in love. On Valentine's we picked him up, so I guess it is fitting that Scotty is our snuggle bug. He is always right next to me napping or in bed at night. Chris and I have considered upgrading to a king but in our 1926 bungalow it would take up the whole bedroom!

Christmas Survey (taken from Jamie)

Since I feel like you don't hear Chris' side very much, we'll both answer!
1) Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Charity - wrapping paper
Chris - gift bags
2) Real tree or artificial?
Charity - artificial - real ones are a pain, get a candle
Chris - artificial - real ones catch on fire
3) When do you put up the tree?
Charity - As soon as I can convince Chris to let me
Chris - week before Christmas is preferable
4) When do you take the tree down?
Charity - late as possible, I once kept it up until the end January
Chris - end of January (notice, Charity is the one to take it all down)
5) Do you like eggnog?
Charity - Yuck
Chris - Yes, especially done right
6) Favorite gift received as a child?
Charity - roller skates
Chris - xwing toy
7) Hardest person to buy for?
Charity - my dad, I seriously just need to get my hands on a copy of his CD wish list
Chris - Stuart because who the heck knows what he likes
8) Easiest person to buy for?
Charity - Chris
Chris - myself
9) Do you have a nativity scene?
Charity - yes, I love them, one has animals standing around the manger and one from the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Chris - personally no, Charity is into it
10) Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?
Charity - I mail them because I get ridiculously happy about receiving them in the mail
Chris - mail because my wife does them
11) Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Charity - When I was like 14 I got this deluxe Barbie clothing set and we were in CA and my two cousins of the same age received make up kits. I was so embarrassed. Even more embarrassing? Once I was back in Utah, I played with them forever.
Chris - "missionary Christmas" the Christmas in the Lake family before you leave on your mission
12) Favorite Christmas movie?
Charity - Tuna Christmas
Chris - Garfield Christmas or Charlie Brown Christmas
13) When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Charity - Ideally August, usually November
Chris - 3 days prior
14) Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Charity - don't think so...
Chris - nope
15) Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Charity - pumpkin pie
Chris - Grandma Oman's hot punch
16) Lights on the tree?
Charity - yes, preferably white
Chris - yes
17) Favorite Christmas song?
Charity - Adeste Fideles or White Christmas by Bing Crosby, Angels From the Realms of Glory by MoTab
Chris - Silver Bells
18) Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Charity - with each year, I tend to want to stay home and visit family around Christmas, but usually we switch off between my family in Salt Lake and Chris' in Castle Dale
Chris - Both, but Travel
19) Can you name all of Santa's Reindeer?
Charity - no
Chris - Rudolph, Dasher, Donner, Blitzen... no
20) Angel on the tree top or a star?
Charity - Star
Chris - Star
21) Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
Charity - both, ones between Chris and I on Christmas Eve, french tradition we'll continue with kids and all the rest, extended family and Santa on Christmas morning
Chris - both
22) Most annoying thing about Christmastime?
Charity - cranky shoppers everywhere
Chris - the music
23) Favorite ornament./theme colors?
Charity - ornament from Paris!
Chris - basic ball ornaments
24) Favorite for Christmas dinner?
Charity - cranberry sauce and stuffing
Chris - Honey baked ham and mashed potatoes
25) What do you want for Christmas this year?
Charity - not sure - new cell phone, some wii games, clothes or clothing money
Chris - two front teeth and lots of books

I'm turning this into a tag: Jill, Shellie and Kandis

What would you do for a box of Tampons?

Now, I know you all think this is a weird question and all the men reading right now are about to skip this post, but don't! Don't worry, I am not about to share more of myself than anyone want to know. Although sometimes I do worry about this question if there were a catastrophe and I don't have any in my emergency kit. I digress...

Last week, around 10pm, just after all lights went off in the hallways of SkinScience, a man broke into the school. Obviously looking for quick cash. Went to every door in the building and checked to see if they were locked. Unfortunately, not all were locked and he got into SkinScience via the auditorium. From there he went into the Student Center by scaling the computer cubicles and then right into the front reception area. We know all this, because in his desperate search, he did not think to check for cameras. Or at least the infrared kind that can still pick you up in the dark. Jackpot! I am sure he thought as he eyed the cash register. Frustrated to find it empty by the time he had pried it open with his huge screwdriver. Still frustrated and still in need of cash he starts searching the drawers. Jackpot! again he thinks as he finds two locked mini cash boxes. Quickly, with shaking hands he puts them into his backpack and leaves the building. Now, one can only speculate when he bothered to open the boxes. I like to think he waited all the way until he got home. Taking them out on his small dining table, hands once again shaking. Easily, breaking off the lock of the first box (oh I hope this is the first box he tries), slowly lifting the lid and quickly discovering... why you don't try to rob a school of 99% women. Full of tampons. No joke. Now, of course he did get a little cash from the second box, but we're just a school with a spa that is not out to make money but to give our students experience. So, definitely not worth breaking in, jacking up our front doors, going through all the hallways, all so that we can clearly see his face on video camera. Hopefully the police catch the idiot.

Oh, and one last question. What would you do with a box of tampons? While searching for a box image on google, I found this disturbing picture below. I am sure you will all run out to make one yourself just in time for Thanksgiving next week, but before you do. Let me give you a hint- popsicle sticks are much cheaper:

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

WARNING!: Rigor Mortis will also set in after prolonged periods of sleep:

Obsession

For those who have a hard time believing me that Chris has all these books. Below are some pictures I took of our family room where most of his books are going to be. Chris is organizing them right now in alphabetical order by author (per my request). No, we are not at a library, no this is not nearly all of them and the stack he is holding is his "to read" pile. Now does anyone understand why I could pull my hair out?

The Sidecar

A few weeks ago Chris, Noelle and I went up to Park City to the Sidecar. We needed to try the best pizza in the city served there called Fat Kid Pizza. We had a great time. The pizza is fantastic and if you are not too into the bar scene, this is a pretty classy joint that is non-smoking, go early before people get there to drink, like around 7pm. But, if you stay there is a good chance you'll hear some really great local music. The night we were there we heard the Soul Survivors. They were an awesome, jazz-funk band and we had a great time. Below are some pics:

Election News for the Blog Book

So this next extraordinarily long post is for our blog book. Those of you who don't share our very liberal political persuasion can skip it if you want after the Tim Russert tribute. We won't be offended.

Tim Russert
One big difference with the election this year was the missing presence and passion of Tim Russert. Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed watching Meet the Press every Sunday morning. I missed seeing his passion for politics come out with that white board as he talked about red and blue states. So, as an ode to Tim Russert, below is a video clip link from the Colbert Show tribute to Tim Russert:
http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/173864/june-16-2008/tim-russert-tribute

President Elect Barack Obama
For the first time in my life I knew what it was like to be living GOOD history. Unfortunately, I know what it is like living through a historical moment such as 9/11, but I've really never known living through a great historical moment. It was the most amazing feeling, to see America elect an African American president for the first time, I literally cried through his acceptance speech. In June 2001 I had the opportunity to visit the Civil Rights Museum in Birmingham, AL and it literally changed my life. Growing up in Idaho and Utah I never really understood the Civil Rights Movement until that museum. And while I may not agree with everything Rev Jesse Jackson says or does, as a man who walked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this picture speaks more than a thousand words:
For those of you who enjoyed his acceptance speech the first time, it is just as moving the second time around. For the first time in 8 years I feel like we have a president that genuinely cares about the American people. And while it might be that he is just a great speaker and can pronounce words, it is a nice change:
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen, by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different, that their voices could be that difference.

It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled. Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been just a collection of individuals or a collection of red states and blue states.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It's the answer that led those who've been told for so long by so many to be cynical and fearful and doubtful about what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this date in this election at this defining moment change has come to America.

A little bit earlier this evening, I received an extraordinarily gracious call from Senator McCain.

Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

I congratulate him; I congratulate Governor Palin for all that they've achieved. And I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart, and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton ... and rode with on the train home to Delaware, the vice president-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

And I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last 16 years ... the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nation's next first lady ... Michelle Obama.

Sasha and Malia ... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us ...to the new White House.

And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother's watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight. I know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my sister Maya, my sister Alma, all my other brothers and sisters, thank you so much for all the support that you've given me. I am grateful to them.

And to my campaign manager, David Plouffe ... the unsung hero of this campaign, who built the best -- the best political campaign, I think, in the history of the United States of America.

To my chief strategist David Axelrod ... who's been a partner with me every step of the way.

To the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics ... you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to. It belongs to you. It belongs to you.

I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington. It began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston. It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give $5 and $10 and $20 to the cause.

It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy ... who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep.

It drew strength from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on doors of perfect strangers, and from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized and proved that more than two centuries later a government of the people, by the people, and for the people has not perished from the Earth.

This is your victory.

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us.

There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after the children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage or pay their doctors' bills or save enough for their child's college education.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began 21 months ago in the depths of winter cannot end on this autumn night.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

To those -- to those who would tear the world down: We will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security: We support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope.

That's the true genius of America: that America can change. Our union can be perfected. What we've already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight's about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing: Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons -- because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America -- the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs, a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that We Shall Overcome. Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination.

And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change.

Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves -- if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America."

Prop. 8 in California
It passed. Much to my chagrin. I have kept silent about it until now, well except to my husband and a couple close friends. I have quietly watched my church donate millions of dollars to Proposition 8 and I have quietly watched friends and family speak up for Proposition 8. Until now. I am not good at accurately writing down my emotions when I am passionate about something. But, for the life of me, I can not figure out why the country is up in arms thinking the sanctity of marriage will be destroyed if it is extended to same sex couples. My friends, whether we want to face it or not, heterosexual couples completely destroyed the sanctity of marriage long ago. Allowing same sex couples to get married is not going to change that. And, before people start thinking that I am off the wall crazy that I would believe this way when the LDS church has made such a stand for the other side, here is a quote released from a statement by the LDS church: "Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances."

Thank you very much, I am still a good mormon in that regard. And while I don't agree with the protests going on at Temple Square, it is cause and effect. When the LDS church decided to donate upwards of $20 million to the cause of Prop 8 there were going to be effects from that. No, the LDS church did not single handedly cause Proposition 8 to pass in California, that is preposterous. But, we are seeing the effects of a world wide church making a very clear stand against a passionate issue. A stand with nearly $20 million. As far as why I believe in allowing same sex marriages so strongly, the best way to put it is to quote my dear and long-time friend Jake from his blog, I feel that it a good balance after all the scare tactics that were used in favor of Prop 8:

"Let me begin by making it clear that I grew up in a religious family. I understand the common belief that families are at the center of God's plan, and that marriage is key to the success of the family. I get it. I believe it. But if I can just respectfully say, I don't particularly agree with the notion that somehow gay marriage poses a threat to families. In fact, is this not instead an issue of providing legal recognition for more families? How does that pose a threat one way or the other to the traditional Christian family, whose rights remain intact regardless? Clearly, many with a religious background similar to mine do not share my views. In fact, as the election nears, it's become hard not to notice the full-scale attack against the idea of gay marriage. California seems to be the primary battleground this season, with its highly controversial Proposition 8, which seeks to amend the State's constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

I'm sure you've heard most of the arguments in favor of Proposition 8. Among the most popular include: If Prop 8 does not pass, children in public schools would be taught that same-sex marriages are morally acceptable, and parents would have no legal grounds to object to what the schools are teaching their children. If Prop 8 does not pass, churches would be subjected to legal challenges if they do not recognize and allow same-sex marriage. If Prop 8 does not pass, churches that do not accept same-sex marriage would lose their tax exempt status. If Prop 8 does not pass, religious groups that preach against same-sex couples would be sued for hate-speech. If Prop 8 does not pass, religious adoption agencies would be forced to place children with same-sex couples. If Prop 8 does not pass, private schools sponsored by religious organizations would be required to provide housing and other benefits for same-sex couples, etc.

Are you seeing the pattern? Allow me to summarize the argument in just one sentence: If same-sex relationships are recognized, your religious rights will be taken away. My friends, with all due respect, this notion is completely without merit. The truth is that the first amendment to the constitution of the United States protects freedom of religion for everyone, and the U.S. constitution is the trump card for anything the State may try to do. The truth is that California law already grants absolute right to parents over the education of their children, and already dictates that no child will be taught anything about health or family issues that is contrary to the wishes of the parents. The truth is that regardless of the legal definition of marriage, no religion will be required to change its religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples, and no religious leader will be required to solemnize a marriage in contravention of his or her religious beliefs. The truth is that California law already protects a person from being sued over personal religious beliefs, and has for decades. The bottom line is that proponents of Proposition 8 have built an expensive campaign against gay marriage based on false claims and scare tactics, most of which have been disproven by legal professionals, and none of which pose any legitimate threat to religious groups or their membership.

The truth is that the issue of gay marriage really has nothing to do with religion at all. For many, including myself, it's an issue of civil rights. The only reason the gay population is interested in marriage in the first place is because the average State government has attached somewhere in the ballpark of 400 legal rights and benefits to marriage, while the Federal government has attached roughly 1000 rights and benefits. That is a huge amount of legal benefits that are only attainable through marriage. A few examples: joint adoption, joint parental rights, next of kin status for hospital visits and medical decisions, bereavement or sick leave, joint insurance protection, divorce protections such as child support, domestic violence protection, retirement benefits such as pensions, social security, and medicare, inheritance benefits, death benefits and decision making power for the deceased, credit protection, welfare and other public assistance benefits, joint filing of tax forms, customs forms, mortgage and lease applications, and countless other legal forms and contracts, etc. The list goes on and on and on. Somehow, in spite of our best efforts to separate Church and State, we've ended up with a concept that is so deeply entrenched in both the religious world and the legal world, that it seems we have little hope of finding a resolution that is acceptable to both sides. Instead, we seem to be locked in this endless debate of semantics, with one side fighting to defend their faith, and the other fighting to gain equal rights under the law.

I have no desire to impose on the religious beliefs of anyone. I appreciate religion, and I understand the religious connotations of marriage. I try my best to respect those whose beliefs are different than mine. Is it too much to ask the same in return? I believe one's freedom of religion ends in the very instant it begins to infringe on the rights and freedoms of another. How then can we possibly allow the religious beliefs of one to dictate the legal rights of another?

I hope to have a family one day. Under the current system, my family will be more vulnerable and have less legal protection under the law than other families. Let me rephrase, my childrenmore vulnerable and have less legal protection under the law than children from other families. That is the reality of the situation, and that simply is not right. Children deserve the best our society can offer, regardless of the type of family to which they belong, and regardless of the sexual or religious practices of their parents. I believe I have an obligation to defend myself, to stand up for my rights as a gay American, and ultimately to fight for the quality of life my future children deserve. At the end of the day, this isn't just about gay marriage, it's about real American families. Passing laws that withhold thousands of legal rights and benefits from tens of thousands of American families does nothing to protect marriage and families; in fact, it very likely has the opposite effect."

If you've made it through all of this and don't agree with our political views, thank you for reading and I hope I didn't instill too much anger. If you do agree, again, thank you for reading. Above everything, I want everyone to know, we appreciate and love our family and friends. I always say, the best friends are the one that make you think. I hope that I have made people stop and think, even for a few minutes.

Other Halloween Activities

Chris and I had a pretty laid back Halloween this year. Every year part of me feels like going out and having a crazy time and people watch on Halloween at some seedy joint with a costume contest, but we never do. We have laid back friends and a lot have kids, so what would really be the point. Plus, when it comes right down to it, my favorite part about Halloween is seeing the kids dressed up, not going to some bar or party where I have to see scantily clad young girls, in bodies I will never have again, all over the place drinking way too much for their own good. I mean, there might a time and place for all of that, but I am way passed that time and place. So anyway, first we went to the Wilson/Ivins Ward Trunk or Treat. This is by far my favorite ward activity. Come to think of it, this might be the only ward activity we go to... This year I found fun battery operated lanterns for the back of our car at Dollar Tree and Chris and I dressed up as usual. Chris' favorite holiday is Halloween and the trunk or treat gives us an excuse to dress up. But the first photo that I put up is of my makeup, you can't see all the cool glitter, but I was really nervous about getting my makeup right since I work at an esthetics school. I am supposed to know how to do it. Unfortunately, it is just not the top of my list out of all the esthetic subjects. I thought I did a really great job if I do say so myself:

Chris, Yikes!:

Me doing my best Vanna White impression, don't worry, I will be keeping my day job:

Then we went to my sisters house. This year since we dressed up kind of scary (me kind of, Chris really scary) we decided it would be fun to scare her kids. They were so excited and her youngest (the penguin) is at that age where it only takes him a couple houses to realize that if he sticks out his bucket looking cute people give him attention and candy. It was so funny to watch. So here are pics of us with my sister and her kids. I had a bottle of "potion" with me (as I modeled above for you) and I tried to get one of them to drink it. I really thought one of them would, but apparently they don't trust their favorite aunt. The potion? Flat Diet Coke. Sounded gross to me, I figured they wouldn't recognize the taste and I could convince them that they would turn into newts after they drank it. But like I said, apparently they don't trust their favorite aunt and we didn't get past part 1. Oh well. they were adorable and since we didn't make anyone cry, I a sure my sister was grateful.

SkinScience Halloween Party

Every Year SkinScience has a Halloween party. We end classes early that day, most of the students and staff dress up, we have a potluck lunch and a costume contest. This is probably my favorite student potluck of the year, you really get to see personalities come out through everyone's costume and it is a chance for everyone to relax and just have a good time after the fall has been so busy. Here are some pictures:

All of us dressed up

The costume contest winners! Scariest: Danielle the Dead Geisha, Most Effort: Kari the Zebra, Industry Related: Julie the Free Radical and Funniest: Angelene the Grease Monkey

The Staff Table

Me and Julie

Maryanne, Me, Jill and Nanette

Fall Favorite

Food!

I love pumpkin foods, desserts specifically, and if you're crazy about them like I am, I have put together a list for you. I was laying in bed this afternoon with a stomach bug (another indication fall has begun! It's going around!) and listing what I thought were the best pumpkin desserts. Some of which you might have had, some might be a great experience for you. They are in order of 1. being super fantastic to 7. being fantastic, so you'll want to try them all. And if anyone out there knows other fantastic ones, leave comments!

1. Chris' Mom's homemade pumpkin pie (even with no sugar added like the 1st year Elaine!)

2. Olive Garden pumpkin cheesecake

3.  Taco Time's Pumpkin Empanadas

4. Maryanne's homemade pumpkin bread

5. Harmon's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

6. Dreyer's Slow Churn Pumpkin Ice Cream

7. McDonald's little pumpkin pies (and cheap! 2/$1)

David Sedaris!

For Chris' Birthday I bought tickets to see David Sedaris, one of our favorite authors and commentators on NPR in "This American Life". We had a great time, it's the second time we've seen him live and just like last time he had us laughing until our stomachs hurt. If you've never read any of his books, I highly recommend them, they are collections of his essays and they will have you in stitches. Some of his books are: Me Talk Pretty One Day, Naked, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, When you are engulfed in Flames and Holidays on Ice. He seems to come to Salt Lake every couple of years and next time I am planning on spending a bit more for better seats (not that you really need them since he just talks) that are closer to the lobby because I want my book signed and to meet him. 

Chris and I at Abravanel Hall before David Sedaris came on stage.

The Octostache

This year Chris' brothers started celebrating a term, I am sure Stuart made up, called Octobeard. They were going to stop shaving for the month of October and go right on into No Shave November. Term made up by T. Chris, since he can not grow a beard due to work restrictions, could only grow a mustache. Therefore celebrating Octostache. Not as cool, we know, but it was the best he could do. Now, I have no idea where the other brothers are in this process at this late date in the month, but it has been driving Chris crazy the entire time. So yesterday, right after I got home from work, he had me take a photo for proof and then immediately shaved it off. Made me very happy that he was Octostache free for our date! And, as Chris kept telling me, "I feel like a cop in a very bad 70's movie." I'm not sure what was up with his shirt, but the chest hair sticking out certainly accentuates that profile, now where are my gold chains and aviators!!!

Accreditation Celebration!

On Saturday SkinScience had a party to celebrate that we were officially accredited with NACCAS meaning that we meet certain requirements to work with the US Department of Education for our students to receive financial aid. We got pizza and had 2 Wii's and Guitar Hero set up. We all had a really good time. Below are a few pics. Nothing super exciting, except for the first photo. Mike and his wife are my heros. It is so awesome that they were playing video games while their cute little girl was sleeping!

Haunting Memories

So, I am not sure why fall tends to be everyone's favorite season. I hate the knowledge fall brings that winter is inevitably going to come again and that by February I will be begging spring to arrive. However, there is a nostalgia around fall that does not come with the other seasons. Sure you get nostalgic at Thanksgiving and Christmas and maybe some other holidays, but not through a whole season like fall. So, I do have to say it is probably my favorite season and that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching our neighbor's pumpkins grow (they gave us some!), the smell and feeling of crisp cool air in the evenings, etc.

The Halloween I think about every year would have to be the Halloween I was probably 5 or 6 years old. In Boise, we would go trick or treating at the elementary school and then around to our friends houses in the ward, which, not being Utah, our parents has to drive us around, ward boundaries being unwalkable. Anyway, we went to our bishop's house, it had a big front porch with a life sized scarecrow on a rocking chair. We went up to the door, my sister was in front of me and I was standing by my dad next to the scarecrow. I have no idea what we were dressed up as, almost every detail of that night was scared out of my poor young moldable brain. And As we were standing there, as my sister was knocking on the door, the scarecrow said "Hello, Charity". Scared me to death. I ran screaming off the porch. For the next few years, no matter how much my family tried, I could not comprehend that it was just Bishop Porter dressed up as the scarecrow. I refused to go trick or treating at his house for years and when I saw Bishop Porter 10+ years later visiting, it was a topic of conversation. Maybe this is why I hate scarecrows to this day. Very small and short Halloween memory, but it became securely planted in my young mind. 

I'm a wuss, It is easy to scare me. I probably shouldn't put this out there for everyone, but there it is. I think this is why I have always had a hard time with Halloween. I don't think I saw the scary rides at Lagoon (Terroride and Dracula's Castle) until I was married. Not that I didn't ride them, but my mom always told me that if you get scared, just close your eyes. So I did, for almost 20 years. Well, this year I am turning over a new leaf. A new red and yellow leaf, if you will. I let Chris decorate our front yard like a cemetary (works really well with our wrought iron fencing and lack of grass) and next week I am going to a haunted village. Pray for me.... ha ha, no, just cross your fingers I don't scar Chris with my nails digging into his skin...

words to live by

So, for the first time since I started a blog I am touching on politics. It is only political due to who wrote the words below. I started a blog so that I could better document what goes on in our lives for our future children (I stink at journal writing, Chris though, every night). So, I vowed to keep politics and religion out of it for the most part. I don't think that will be a necessity in our blog, for our children will know from living in our household our political views and religion. If you really want to know where I stand on things, just check out my Facebook account. However, I do want my children to know where we stand on some social issues. Also, to know that, while it would be nice if things could always be defined in black and white, they are not and never will be. I run into shades of grey every day and it is the shades of grey that always touch my life the most and have shaped me into the person I am. These two quotes given by influential men really sum up a lot of what I believe...

"...We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country.

The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than they are for those plagued by gang violence in Cleveland, but don't tell me we can't uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals.

I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in a hospital and to live lives free of discrimination.

You know, passions may fly on immigration, but I don't know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers.

But this, too, is part of America's promise, the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort..."

~Senator Barack Obama

I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent. ~Mahatma Ghandi

Lord of the Flies...er, Lady that is

So, while it is an indisputable fact that our dogs are spoiled and we are aware of this. I want to give props to our Silly Sally. Even though she is crazy when we come home and she gets so excited that she knocks things over with her butt and tail. Even though, Chris and I learned what is was like to wake up in a urine soaked bed before having children when she developed incontinence. And even though sometimes I have to remind her that she is NOT over me in the pack. I have not owned a fly swatter since we got her 3 years ago. Now, I know what you are thinking, I either have a lot of flies buzzing around in my house or that I am lucky and they just don't come in. Nope. Sally can catch flies. They drive her crazy and it is really funny to watch her go at them. So, even though we joke about how she is a train wreck with legs and that she's just a little messed up for living with Perry the first 4 years of her life (Anyone who knows Perry will laugh and know we love the Hackers!). We love her and every fall it is funny to watch her catch flies inside and outside our house. I just always have to stop her when she finds a bee! 

FYI, the incontinence is treatable! She just gets estrogen supplements twice a week. According to our favorite vet, Dr. Gold, it is rather common in female dogs.

Happy Birthday Chris!

The face of a 30 year old

Meghan had these on her blog and I thought this would be great for Chris' birthday...

What's his name? Christopher Lee Lake

How long have we been married? coming up on 7 years

How long did we date? 3 1/2 months then engaged for 6

How old is he? 30 Today!

Who eats more? definitely him

Who said I love you first? him, while I was working at the University Guest House front desk one evening. Real romantic, said it across the desk to me. Then quickly left.

Who sings better? I'd like to think I do because of all my musical training, but he can definitely hold his own.

Who is smarter? really? definitely him

Whose Temper is worst? uh, mine. I have to really push to get him to lose his temper. He's very good at suppressing everything. He didn't even yell when I lost my wedding ring.

Who pays the bills? me. When we were engaged his mom talked to me at Seven Peaks and said "You have got to pay the bills. Chris will not pay attention to them and will use them as bookmarks." It's true.

Who does laundry? I do, my fault though, I started doing laundry for him when we were engaged and I am a control freak over my own clothes.

Who cooks dinner? Well, the last year with me in school, we tend to fend for ourselves, but he will do it if I ask. Both of us are not picky so we live on things like ramen, spaghetti, grilled cheese, etc. he can make a mean grilled cheese and tomato soup.

Who drives when together? Me so he can read his books

Who is more stubborn? He is definitely. He seems so congenial but I have learned that while he may be shaking his head yes, he'll then go off and do whatever he wants.

Who is the first to admit when wrong? I think we're both pretty good at apologizing when we take things out on each other.

Who wears the pants? neither of us, I'm amazed we get anything accomplished...

Who mows the lawn? we have a lawn? ...oh those weeds, he does

Who kissed first? he did on our third date and my friends were telling me we were moving to fast and it wouldn't work out. ha ha

Who proposed? he did up at Red Butte Gardens and he was so cute and surprised me, I didn't think he had a ring yet. Although, I was the one who brought up marriage first - we were on a walk and he had to sit on the curb and put his head between his knees.

What is my favorite thing about him? I have more than one, but every day I am so glad that he is so smart. He always makes me think and asks my opinion on things whether it be politics, history, religion, etc and it keep me on my toes and I am always learning. It was so important to me that I found someone that would challenge my brain. Our children will be adorable and ridiculously intelligent! And even though I complain about them taking over my house, I do like our 700+ books!

One of my favorite photos, the Sunday nap:

What A Woman Wants Show

This past weekend SkinScience Institute had a booth at the What A Woman Wants Show at the South Towne Expo Center. It is a really fun expo full of shopping and stuff that women like- scrapbooking, art, spas, etc. Chris' brother and his family came down while I was there so that we could look around together. They are so much fun, I am lucky to have great relationship with Chris' family. I really enjoy Christella, Daniel's wife, they married 5 months after us and i think we have a lot in common.

Kallee holding her frog purse she got at the expo:

Family Haircuts

Last week we all got haircuts, except Sally. She doesn't shed really bad and she lets me give her baths. So here are the photos of the hairdo's we're now sporting, although Chris doesn't look much different. The first couple days after Scotty was shaved, I felt so bad, he just doesn't look right. But the amount of fur EVERYWHERE was driving me nuts. It is so much nicer now. I can't call him my Fluffy Buddy right now, but twice a year when the weather changes it is definitely worth it. 

Scotty's before and after photos:

Chris and Sally:

Skin Care Professionals Conference

We just had our Skin Care Professionals Conference at SSI on Monday. It was a lot of hard work, but well worth the day of continuing education. We had 14 exhibitors come this year and about 150 participants. Here are a few photos:

Me, Jill, and Maryanne first thing while we still look great

a few staff and students just before the craziness begins

Candice and Dr. Mark Taylor our keynote. 

He owns Gateway Aesthetics and Laser Center. Just a few tidbits, it is the largest private laser center in the world right here in Salt Lake. He is really amazing, down to earth, an Idaho farm boy and unlike most doctors of his status, his ego can still fit through doorways!

Laser Hair Removal

While the above picture is not me, as I am sure you all noticed and it is not even the area I received laser hair removal, we can pretend I look that good right?
Truth is, I didn't think of telling Maryanne to grab my camera when our laser rep was here and she was zapping away at my underarms. Now, I like to take pride in thinking that I have a high pain tolerancy. I mean, come on, I live with chronic pain every day in every joint in my body. When I got my tattoo- no big deal. really. Well, this pain tolerancy thing has just been wiped out. I am a wimp, at least when it comes to a laser. I was so excited to get it done too, it didn't even cross my mind that I would be cringing in pain. Felt like someone was taking a gigantic quilting needle and jabbing it repeatedly into my armpits (oh, excuse me, that is a bad word in the esthetics world, my underarms.) I did manage to get through 1 treatment and with my blond hair, it will do absolutely nothing. Back to waxing it is...