What Life is REALLY like at the Cannon House

(Written by Julie on Dylan's account)

Who said that you do stupid things when you're bored? Well.....maybe the following is proof that you DO. Or just that owning an iMac is far too entertaining.

So, on an episode of Bones I watched the other day, there was this creepy girl in an insane asylum that believed she was an archangel. She made this super creepy face when they were questioning her....this is our interpretation of it. But it freaks me out when Dylan does it to me.

Life is bliiiisssssssss

Oh Popeye!     Olive Oil, "spare me your lies, temptress" (partial quote from Toy Story 3)

So we've gotten a little deformed around here, a'ight?

Imitating my parents' Christmas card photo (they took it at an aquarium in Hawaii)

What Dylan will look like bald, and the extent to which I will have to squint my eyes to see ANY hair left on his head

I don't even know what to say about this one

So what? So we're a little wrapped up in each other....hardy har har.

My normal face when D flexes for me

The sunset picture we should have taken in Hawaii, on the beach, at sunset....minus the missing body parts.

Hawaii!!!

You want Hawaii? Well, then, go to Julie's photo blog, because she added tons of photos on that. juliedphotography.blogspot.com

We love Hawaii!!!!!

NOOOOOO!!!!!!

I was doing my daily perusal of ESPN.com (speaking of important things, as my last post discussed) when I stumbled upon this horrific image:

I felt like vommitting at this disgrace. If Jeter ever did leave the Yankees, though, I am so spiteful that I would wish this upon him:

Putting the important things first

   This semester has been a very busy semester for me. I have two jobs, taking 15 credit hours, have been studying for the GRE (though my math is still pathetic) and am in a bishopric. There have been times where I have had so many different things to do at once, that sleep is not an option (though like George W. Bush as portrayed by Will Ferrell on SNL, I take frequent "cat naps").  Unfortunately, all of these good things I have allowed to get in the way of the best things, at times, bringing back memories of Elder's Oaks' talk a while back. I have decided that the most important of these best things are spending time with Julie and growing closer to my Savior and God.
    The other night, I again put good things in the way of best things. I was trying to edit all of the papers of the students in the class I TA for. It had me stressed and had to be done the next day. I was not looking forward to a long night of reading. While I was beginning to edit, Julie informed that it was December 1st and that we needed to put up the beautiful nativity scene she bought (it was made in Africa). I thought 'ok, that will only take 5 minutes and then I'll start.' However, Julie wanted me to read the different accounts of Christ's birth and said she would put the characters involved in the nativity up as I read off their scriptures. At first, I was slightly annoyed with this, but (being the awesome husband I am) I agreed. As I read, Julie pulled out the donkeys and made their noises as they went into the scene. Then, the wisemen, etc. She even made the baby Jesus cry at His birth, thus proving that silly line from the Christmas hymn that says, "the little lord Jesus, no crying he makes" to be false. As she was doing this, it made me chuckle but realize that other things, no matter how important they may seem, are secondary. My relationship with her and my Creator and Redeemer are much more important. 
    Ironically, as I've put less emphasis on school and other temporary things, the better I have done in those fields as well. I guess those apostles really are inspired, after all. 

This painting, like "Away in a Manger" is highly idealized. I don't think Joseph spent hours to perfectly put on his cloak and matching hood. But, hey, that's not important, either.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

   It is officially December 1st! Which means, that I am now ok with departments stores playing nothing but Christmas music all day. I have a problem with it before Thanksgiving. I think Thanksgiving is the most underrated and undervalued American holiday. Back to the point, though. There is a foot of snow on the ground, Jack Frost is nipping at my nose, and we put up a Christmas tree. Our tree is blue and silver, and then a football playing Santa Mom bought for us (we had one as kids that we would always fight over. Mom bought all us married kids the exact same ornament. It's nice, but still not as satisfying when I didn't have to punch anyone to get to put it up). Julie makes Christmas fun. She has gone crazy decorating every possible nook and cranny in our 5 by 7 apartment. We can't wait for Christmas at the Cannon home!
         Yet, a part of me is a little sad, realizing this might be the last Christmas I am living in my beloved home state of Utah. Next year, we might be living somewhere in California, where it will be sunny and warm...and not Christmasy feeling to me. Any suggestions of how to make it feel like Christmas when it's 70 degrees outside?