Last Christmas Break

Even though I've transitioned into parenthood where school vacations and days off no longer exist for me, I am still enjoying my last Christmas break as a graduate student. This semester was the hardest yet mainly because Ashton came earlier than we anticipated. I also had to conduct a full-blown research study with IRB approval, which consumed much of my time. I tried to get ahead in my coursework but Ashton didn't think that was a good idea. She wanted my attention instead and when it comes to a cute little baby or graduate school, the baby always wins. I passed both classes with A's so I still have my 4.0 but GPA doesn't really matter in grad school. At least I don't think it does. I have two more semesters and then Joseph is planning to start his master's degree.

So for my final Christmas Break, I enjoyed doing some of this:

Sleeping in with Ashton for the first week or so. Then she started going to bed around 7:30, which causes her to wake up around 6:30am. But I find myself getting much more done when I wake up early.

Reading fun books like Cook's Illustrated cookbooks and Large Family Logistics (Our family is very large...)

Baking for our ward social, Joe's Christmas work parties, and yummy dinners. I made whole wheat rolls for the first time as well as making my Great-Grandma Banning's rolls. Also, I tried some new recipes for cookies and treats.

Great-Grandma Banning rolls. They turned out pretty good. We had them when the missionaries came over for dinner and they gobbled them up. Then again, what 19/20 year old young man wouldn't eat a free meal.

Cookies and Cream Cupcakes. They were a little denser than I wanted but still tasty.

Mint chocolate chunk cookies. These are my new favorite dessert! I've made them three times since discovering the recipe.

Packing, moving, and unpacking in our new home. We LOVE our new home. The best part: we don't have a landlord anymore telling us what we can and cannot do!!!

Spending time with family in Austin for Christmas

Hanging out Christmas morning.

Magnifying my calling. The week Ashton was born, I was called to be the primary chorister. I love it but it's challenging. I spent some time being creative and setting up plans for this year. I'm excited for the year ahead of us.

Loving my baby girl. Let's be honest, this is the highlight of my life!

Reading to Ashton. She is most attentive in the bathtub.

This is the face she gives when you make a cool sound.