Crazy Christmas Traditions (and a few new ones)

Christmas at our house it actually usually just the opposite. We never have "Christmas" at our house. As many of you can probably relate, our Christmas season is usually spent running from house to house to make sure that we get all of our visiting done. Now, don't get me wrong, I have nothing against all of the parties and things, but by the time Christmas is over, we are exhausted-and we don't even have kids to entertain during all of this.

Every year on the 23rd, the Burgin side of the family gets together for their annual Christmas Bash. There is food, and a good old fashioned white elephant gift exchange, then I can't forget the famous activity of banging metal pipes with tent stakes in the attempt to make music. Ok, honestly, it sounds pretty cool, and Mike's aunt takes this responsibility very serious. Everyone gets a turn, even the grown up kids. I am pretty sure Mike loves this, as you can see by his expression, although I think it was a little too much fun for his brother, Tyler.

Next we move on to the Morgan family Christmas party. We had it at my aunts house out in Draper, which is taking some getting used to. We have always had the party at my grandparents house, but as the family grows, we can no longer fit in my grandparent's house, so it was necessary to move it. And I must say that the party was a hit. We still had a pinata, which is a tradition for as long as I can remember, but then some new activities were thrown into the mix, such as making a santa suit out of red tissue paper and black construction paper. We took one of the cousins and dressed them up, then grandpa judged the santas. I still feel like my group's santa should have won (far left). I mean take a look at the detail on his boots! And the fact that he has full boots. . .yeah, I did that.
We also threw a talent show into the mix. Unfortunately we are a family of very few musical talents (with the exception of my cousin Theresa's family), so we were forced to be creative. This is my sister, Erin and her husband, Bryan. Their unusual talent was beat-boxing while brushing their teeth. It was hilarious-I mean awesome! Keep up the good work guys and let me know when you cut your first album!
Just had to throw this one in. Brooks finally caught on to the whole Christmas/Santa thing this year (well for the most part).
So, nobody got the memo that the party was supposed to be an ugly sweater party. I guess I should mention that my cousin Patrick got the memo, the only person, but his sweater was enough for everyone. Lookin' good!
This is my cute Grandpa. I just thought this pic was great so I wanted to put it on here.
Things that I didn't have my camera out for were Christmas morning at Mike's mom's house. We made Scottish pancakes for breakfast and then opened gifts before we headed over to my parent's house. On Christmas Eve, we got to talk to my brother Trent who is "far far away in the Philippines" as Brooks would say. He will be home next Christmas and honestly I don't think that any of us can wait. He is such a unique person, and he brings so much to our family and we love him for that. Can't wait for him to come home!

I hope you all had an enjoyable holiday season and that you got everything you asked for.

2nd Lieutenant Micheal D. Burgin

It's official. He finally commissioned as an officer in the Army National Guard. After three long years of hard work, it finally paid off and now he has signed his life away for six more years! As much as I complain about the fact that the military takes my husband away from me at least once a month and we have yet to spend an entire calendar year together since we have been married, we have been blessed by Mike's decision to join. We have both learned quite a bit about ourselves.

This is my cute husband in his Class A Uniform. He pulls it off well I must say.

This is Mike with Sgt. Portwood. He is a Sargent in Mike's unit and has been a good friend to Mike. When a cadet commissions as an officer, they give their first salute to a non-commissioned officer, and that was this guy.

Mike being sworn in.

Now a little side note. To ring in the holiday season, my mom, aunts, cousins and me and my sister took a wreath making class up at Red Butte Gardens. It was really fun, and although my poor little wreath looks a little smashed, I am proud of the work that I did. I hope I get to do it again next year. It was a nice learning experience, and I know now what to do and what not to do to make a wreath that will last all season long (as a matter of fact, as of today January 9, my wreath is still hanging on my front door, and it doesn't look too bad, just maybe a little dry.)

Call Me Ms. Fairy, first name Tooth

Do you ever wonder what happens to your teeth when they disappear from under your pillow, and in the morning you find (usually) a monetary replacement? I am here to tell you that these teeth don't just disappear into thin air!
They land very neatly, in a very specific order in labeled drawers in Salt Lake City, of all places!

Okay, seriously,I know it is kind of weird that I have pictures of teeth, but I just find this very amusing! We have drawers and drawers full of teeth at our office. We are a dental supplier, and yeah it makes sense that we sell teeth for dentures, but I was so creeped out the first time I saw them. I also found it funny that when people called to order teeth, they asked for the "Tooth Fairy", and she would come a-runnin'! Cute little Fran, she barely clears five feet and has bright white hair and she sings and whistles all day long. She even has the children of some of our employees convinced that this is where their teeth go when the TF takes them.

Well, last week, Fran started not feeling so well. She has been out of work now for a week and guess who is taking care of the counter while she is gone? Yeah, that's right-ME! So I guess I have quite the rep to live up to. I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders, but I will take it in stride (or maybe a flap of a wing) and do everything I can to be the best Tooth Fairy Ever!

Has it Really Been Four Years?

Well, well well-Here we are. I can't believe how the time flies! Today is our 4th anniversary and I must say that we have had some pretty great times. I have learned a lot from Mike. I am so thankful that he is my husband. He has been a great example to me and I know that our kids will be so lucky to have him as a father.

I thought I would relive some fun things that we have done (unfortunately I only have pics from the last year or so, but oh well).

Mike has this outdoorsy side to him that I had no idea existed until after we got married. I think that maybe it has a little bit to do with his friend Spencer, but I am thankful for it. We have had some great times camping, biking (I know, we have only gone once so far) and soon we will be hitting the slopes. About a month ago we went on an over-nighter with some friends to Snowbird. It was alot of fun and it was nice to enjoy the weather before it started getting too cold.

Mike had no idea that I knew how to play pool. Honestly, I had no idea either. Just luck I guess. It is fun to get out and do things together that we don't normally do.

This was a family vacation that we took. As you can see, my nephew is crying and I am pretty sure that me and Mike are looking at him thinking are we seriously considering this? Even though I know it is hard, it is also rewarding and we are really excited for the day that children join our family. We know that the good times with kids outweigh the bad, and we are looking forward to the day that we become parents.

Just some mountain biking up Farmington canyon. It has been along time since I got on a mountain bike. Thanks Mike for pushing me to do things that I might not otherwise do. (Last time I mountain biked was in Moab and I did an endo over the handle bars and landed on a rock. I have the scar to prove it and everything.)

Just last week, we went to the Coldplay concert. We agreed that it was the best show we have ever been to and we are dying to see them again. It was really fun to hang out with Mike at this concert. We both love music and it has been fun going to all kinds of different concerts, from Paramore/Jimmy Eat World, to Billy Joel, to Metallica and then Coldplay. And a few in between.

Mike has also introduced me to Utah Football. Go Utes! I am proud to say that I did not miss a home game this season and we had so much fun. I had no idea that Mike was so in to football. The things you learn after being married for 4 years!

I know that I posted this pic in an old post but I love it and it was a great trip. We were in Vegas with a couple of friends, and I saw my first ever live stand up comedy show.

This is a pic of Hawaii. While Mike was working for Delta, we were lucky to be able to jump on a plane and head to Hawaii for the weekend. Since he has quit Delta, we haven't gone anywhere. We are planning to go back soon though. We have some great memories from the travelling that we have done together.

This was in Germany. I never thought I would make it to that part of the world. I never even thought that I would want to go to Germany and now I am dying to go back. I would love to see it in the spring or summer. Although, winter was gorgeous and it isn't everyday that you get to ride toboggan's down the hill in the middle of a German village.

In this picture we had only been married 5 months. Mike left for basic training a month after we got married. I must admit that it has been hard that we haven't spent an entire year together since we got married . There is always a military training, or an internship getting in the way, but I have learned to live with it and I am pretty sure that it has made us both stronger people because of it. Also, absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I am so excited to embark on the adventures that are in our future. Moving away, starting a family and many many more. Thanks for all the memories, babe! Love Ya!

Hangin' Tough! (PS-I'll Be Loving You Forever!)

OMG! This weekend rocked! While Mike was in Draper doing his National Guard stuff, I was in West Valley participating in the ultimate girls night out! Yes-I am talking about the New Kids on the Block Concert! I could have sworn I was a 12 yr old inside a 27 yr old body! I don't think I have ever screamed so much in my life! As many of you know (and some of you probably have no idea) I am a HUGE New Kids on the Block Fan. Always will be. I had the t-shirts, the nightgowns, the posters, all of their cassette tapes and not to mention the VHS videos of their concerts, and much much more! I was obsessed! Well, much to my enjoyment, they are back! The tour came through SLC (or West Valley City-as it says on the back of my t-shirt) on Saturday night and it was the funnest thing I have done in a long time, all inhibition went right out the window (I am talking about the screaming and the dancing.) I went to the concert with my old friend Chantel. We would sit in my bedroom for hours on end memorizing all the words to their songs.

I thought I would throw a few fun pics on here to get you all reminiscing too!

I know we all had out favorites-who was yours? Mine was Jonathon Knight (the oldest of the group and probably the most mature, I'm sure.) FYI-He is the one in the awesome blazer and mustard yellow shirt-SO CUTE! (Cute in the nineties at least).

And this is the T-shirt that I purchased to wear proudly to the gym and the grocery store and anywhere else that I can get away with wearing an over-sized t-shirt. Also, the 1st pic is the one printed on the t-shirt, if you were wondering!

The pioneer boy band in all their glory!

Donnie (front and center, the resident Bad-Boy) thinks he is so cool! Although I must say that he is quite the entertainer when he is by himself on stage

Man-I thought we would be watching a bunch of old men hobble around on stage, but no, they've still got the moves. I could have danced right along with them-nothing has changed in 15 yrs (that is how long it has been since the last time they performed on stage, if you were wondering.)

And here they are today. Ready for their GQ photo shoot. My favorite today would have to be Joey McIntyre. He played Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway-enough said!

Anyway, just thought I would let you all know that if you talk to me in the next couple of days I might still seem a little bit giddy. Don't worry, it will pass. Man I love these guys!

Peace Out!

We Did the Monster Mash!

Halloween came and went all too quickly at our house, but it was fun while it lasted. Also, I must mention that we had 3 trick or treaters this year (compared to last years one). My friend Steph and I decided to throw a little Halloween party (costumes were mandatory, which was fun, because it has been a couple of years since I dressed up for Halloween.) We had a fire pit out on our back patio, surrounded by people all night making s'mores and enjoying the rainy weather that we had that night. Inside we had quite the spread of yummy food. Everyone brought meat to grill up, and then they brought a dish to share. Thanks for the participation everyone. To top it all off, we had guitar hero going non-stop throughout the night.

Here are a few pics from the evening (sorry there are so many, but I tried to get pics of everyone that came-and I still missed a few couples).

This is Nate-our resident Holy Man and Kelsey-the cute little Ladybug.
This is my darling nephew Brooks-The Pirate.
All night he was saying "Aaaargh! Give me some candy, Matey!"


This is a pic of my fam. We have Mike and Bridget-the old fogies (who, might I add, won the costume contest). Erin and Bryan-A golfer and her Caddy (as it should be). Me and Mike-I was Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Rain (I am holding a spray bottle in my hand) and Mike was 1/2 of the quirky "Scrubs" duo. Then there is my mom-now I am not sure what she is, but she has on an old Strawberry Shortcake costume that I wore when I was a kid, and then Brooks the Pirate.

Here are all the guys-We have a Candy Bar, Holy Man, JD, Bed Bug (in the back) then Janitor, a Dalmatian, the old fogey in front, Turk, and the Caddy.

This is Mike's brother Dustin-a Cowboy, and his fiancee Kylee-the Indian

Steph and Spencer-Batgirl and TURK (from Scrubs)

Hershey's candy Bars (Jason and Sarah)

Erin and Bryan, again-The LPGA golfer and her Caddy

The girls-Golfer, Partly Cloudy (no rain this time), the Ladybug, Batgirl, Hershey's, Snow White, and a Bed Bug.

Danny, Spencer and Mike-also known as The Janitor, Turk and JD

It's Guy love between two guys!

Snow White and her charming Prince Janitor


Now, that Halloween is over and the spooky decorations are gone, the Thanksgiving decorations are out with full force! I can't help but celebrate one holiday at a time. I love this time of year! I guess the holidays are officially coming, so Happy Holidays everyone.

You Know it's Sad but True!

Last Friday, Mike called me at work and asked if I absolutely had to go to class on Monday. I said there was no way that I could miss it, being math and all, and he again said , "but do you really need to go?" I said yes, and then out of curiosity I asked Why? BECAUSE THEY ARE GIVING AWAY METALLICA TICKETS TO MILITARY PERSONNEL (and the concert is Monday night)!!!

There are just some things in life that you make special exceptions for. . .

I went to an earlier math class in was in Salt Lake by 8:00. It was kind of wierd to actually be at a Metallica concert, but it was awesome!

ROCK ON!