Tony and I have a new blog! Yes, we are married, so yes, a new blog is necessary! Still in the process of getting it up and running but feel free to check it out :)
tonyandwhitney.blogspot.com
Enjoy!!
I love the October through December season because so many holidays are celebrated.
First we had Halloween...
Then there was Thanksgiving...
And now we get to celebrate Christmas!! A couple days ago we went to Sedona with Dustin and Mariel. We had lunch at the Enchantment Resort and enjoyed an afternoon in the beautiful red rock.
Last night was our family ugly sweater Christmas party and all sorts of fun was had. Everyone looked pretty dang good if you ask me.
(We opted for the cheesy pose)
(Nice smile D)I can't sleep, so here is a little glimpse of my life lately...
Tony and I at Talavera during Restaurant Week. The. Best. Steak. I. Have. Ever. Eaten.
I got feathers in my hair. THREE of them. I think it's the most daring/edgy thing I've done besides escaping campus for lunch my junior year of high school. Did I mention I love them??
Because the weather has been so beautiful, we took a stroll along Tempe Town Lake. Lovely!
My mom and I picked out this Halloween fabric to make a sign. I told her I'd make it for her. For some reason, we manage to kill/injure a lot of birds at my house, on accident I will assure you.
Time #1 - It's a normal thing around my house for dad to get out the BBgun in attempt to scare away the birds after he's planted the winter lawn. Well, according to him it was an accident, but he actually nailed a bird. The poor guy collapsed and never woke.
Time #2 - My dog ate a baby bird, practically swallowed him whole. We locked him outside. Needless to say he hasn't done it again.
As of late - The following picture describes what has been happening on almost a daily basis since we replaced our living room and dining room windows. Apparently they're just too clean for the birds to handle, and apparently they don't have peripheral vision to notice that on each side of the window is a fairly large house. Poor guys.
(It's hard to see, but notice the leftover feathers that stuck to the window)I realize I have yet to consistently update my blog, but it's always worth a try. So here I go, again.
Last weekend Tony and I went to Park City for the Fourth of July. We had a blast getting away from the heat and being with his family!
A few of my favorites from the weekend:
Hiking through the snow (yes, that is snow in the picture)
Going for walks
Eating, eating, and eating some more
Talking
Main Street
7-11 slurpees
Cornhole
Shopping
Hanging out
Fireworks (echoing through the mountains = lovely)
(our hiking destination - beautiful)
Thanks for a wonderful time. Can't wait to go again!While I was home over the break, I was lucky enough to get a root canal. Well actually, technically I had already gotten a root canal, but this time I was just getting the permanent crown.
Funny story. My brother Jeremy has been practicing out in Queen Creek for over a year now, but this was the first time I had gone to see him (not because of the lack of trust, but simply because I have been in Utah). So I sit down in the chair and after Jeremy had looked at all my xrays and given time for the Novocain to settle in, he started to drill in my molar. For some weird reason, I blame it on the Novocain, it felt like Jeremy was drilling in the wrong tooth. So me, being the paranoid patient and feeling rather comfortable because it was my brother sitting next to me, begin to embarrass myself and my doctor when I say...."Jeremy, are you sure your drilling the right tooth?" Wow, when I saw him kind of chuckle I realized how idiotic that was for me to say. First of all, he looked at all my xrays and knew exactly what tooth he was to be working on, and secondly, he's the doctor. Needless to say, I felt pretty dumb. Of course he was drilling the right tooth, geez Whitney.
So other than the fact that this guy doesn't think I trust him, it was great experiencing the work of Dr. Skinner. I highly recommend him, even if it does feel like he's drilling in the wrong tooth ;)
Excuse me for the lack of blogging lately, I really have been up to quite a lot. Unfortunately however, I just barely uploaded my pictures to the computer.
Well Christmas was divine this year. It was wonderful to be home with family and even more wonderful that I could actually enjoy every minute of it without the stress of school. Christmas Eve was hosted by Jeremy and Hannah while mom and dad's house was still under construction. They definitely know how to entertain :)
After eating a delicious Italian meal, we enjoyed a very quick nativity scene by the grandgirls :)
Following the grand production, the rest of us enjoyed a great white elephant gift exchange. Thanks to mom, we had a pretty intense pass around of an actual white elephant teapot that made the game rather exciting! Luckily no tears were shed.
Then we had our real gift exchange and enjoyed sitting and talking and anticipating the following morning.
Thanks to all for a very fun night!!
Well, the following morning was delightful. I sure do wish I had pictures of Christmas morning, but unfortunately I do not so you will have to use your imagination.
Our little Avery, who is pictured above, decided she was ready for Christmas before the rest of us. Mom and Dad were laying in their bed (I'm sure delaying as long as possible having to wake up, seeing as though they were up super late being Santa's helpers), Dustin and Mariel asleep in their room, me asleep in my room, Kristin and Mike asleep downstairs, while little Avery decided she'd meander upstairs. Unbeknown to the rest of us, Avery went upstairs, found her bright pink scooter Santa gift standing next to her stocking. I'm sure she was glowing from ear to ear, but because she was alone, none of us really will ever know. She moves her stocking and leans it against some other presents and then takes her scooter for a little spin around the living room floor. Obviously Avery hasn't learned quite yet that this was killing the secrecy and giving complete evidence of her sneaking to see her presents. Then Avery proceeds to go into Mom and Dad's room and tell them what was waiting for her in the other room (the scooter). Oh well, so much for the big surprise.
If only little Avery knew what smiles she put on our faces that morning. I love being around little kids on Christmas.
Thanks to all for a beautiful holiday and for the thoughtful gifts and words that were shared. I loved every minute of it.
Well i'm officially down to three days until I am basking in the sun, a moment I have been dreaming about for months.
I have not left the Provo area in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not seen 3 of my nieces in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not slept in my room in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not smelled home in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not played with my dog in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not been to the Tempe Target in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
I have not gone on walks in the neighborhood with mom, dad, and Tanner in 8 months. That is 8 months too long.
Well folks, i'm happy to inform you that 8 months is coming to an end really quick...3 days to be exact. I couldn't be happier.
(A Tempe Town Lake Christmas)Well it's DeCeMbEr and I have just a few ThIngS on my mind...
One week from tomorrow, student teaching is over!
Life is great!
Josh Groban has the best Christmas CD!
I love this time of year. I love that all week everyone focuses on being grateful for many different things, and then after Thanksgiving, we prepare for Christmas. I love it. I love the fact that the rest of this month and next, life revolves around family, giving, gratitude, and the birth of Christ (not to mention the fact that everyone just seems happier). I love love it!
Now I want to take the time to say how appreciative I am for the things that I have been truly blessed with:
1. My family - My family has been an incredible blessing in my life. I have been blessed with a mom and dad who believe that families are eternal and show their love to each other as well as their children. I love my family.
I'm grateful for my dad - I'm grateful for his strength in the gospel and the way he honors his priesthood. I love the way he treats my mom. I know he loves her and I know he strives daily to make her happy. I'm grateful for the love he shows me and my siblings. I see that love in the way he takes care of us and does whatever he needs in order for us to be safe, comfortable, and happy. Thank you dad.
I'm grateful for my mom - I'm grateful for her strength in the gospel and the way she strives to be obedient in every way. I know she has a testimony and am grateful for her example and the way she touches the lives of those around her. I'm grateful for the service she gives to her husband and children on a daily basis. She loves her family and she loves my dad. I have never doubted her love for those around her. I'm grateful I can relate to her on so many levels...chocolate chip cookies, not wanting to socialize, and our trips to Target. Thank you mom.
I'm grateful for Kristin - I'm grateful for her thoughtfulness. She has always been there for me and is a constant listening ear. She loves her family and I know she is a wonderful mother to her little Avery and is an amazing wife to Mike. I'm grateful for her example to me. I know I can call her if I ever just need to talk. I love that she's so crafty...I have so much to learn from her!! P.S. Let's craft over Christmas! Thank you Kristin.
I'm grateful for Jeremy - I'm grateful for his positive attitude for life. I know he is an amazing father to his little girls. I have always looked up to Jeremy as a hardworker and someone who is patient. I'm grateful for the way I see him treat those around him, always kind. I'm grateful for the way he loves Hannah. I love how goofy he can be and how he makes me laugh. Thank you Jeremy.
I'm grateful for Josh - I'm grateful for his sincerity and his ability to light up a room by simply walking in. He is truly Christlike and I know that he strives on a daily basis to do what's right. He loves his girls and is an amazing father and wife to Melissa. I love his sense of humor. You just can't help but laugh when you're with him, and he leaves you a better/happier person. Thank you Josh.
I'm grateful for Dustin - I'm grateful for his testimony and the love he shows to those around him, especially Mariel. I know he is a person who strives to do what's right. He is a goof sometimes, and I love his humor and the way he teases me sometimes (I am afterall, and will always be, his little sister). Thank you Dustin.
I'm grateful for Mike, Hannah, Melissa, and Mariel. I have been blessed with the best brother/sister-in-laws. The thing I've always wanted for my siblings is to be loved by someone as much as I love them, and they do. I'm grateful for their examples to me and the love they show to me and my family. (Us Skinner's can be kind of weird sometimes :)
I love my family. I'm pretty sure I have the best one.
I'm also grateful for -
the gospel, my testimony, my roomates, BYU, warm showers, heated cars, computers, chocolate, exercise, temples, thoughtful notes, and music.
Yep, here we are again, just a little more grown up. It has after all been a month or so since we made cookies. Today we made No Bake cookies. They are D.E.Licious. Go to lickthebowlgood.blogspot.com. (I don't know how to do that cool link thing, so you can search for the recipe on your own, just like the good ol' days)
K, here's Emily...
Hey there everybody! I've been enjoying the college experience- good food+boys+homework=an awesome life. I hung out with my best friends for Halloween, and we dressed up as Captain Planet's Planeteers. If you don't know who they are, youtube it and educate yourself! And as usual, I love coming over to Whitney's house (even when she feeds me cookies for dinner) =)
P.S. I've started student teaching at Payson High School and am loving it so far. On Thursday I chaperoned their Sadie Hawkins dance. I felt like I was at a stake dance, so yes, I loved it. Unfortunately, I couldn't get up and dance. I had to be an 'adult' and sit back and watch all the kids having fun. It's all good though because the following night, I went to my own stake dance Halloween Party........Needless to say, I danced my heart out without a care in the world, probably because no one could even recognize us....
Happy Halloween!!!
Our quick 4 hour getaway to Dave's cabin just past Heber. 
My birthday at YoZone after a long day of Parent Teacher Conferences! Thanks girls!!!
The slide that magically appeared in our apartment. Okay, so maybe it was planned. Funny story, just recently we found a note attached to it from the apartment owners saying that if it hasn't been removed by the 1st of November they will come take it away. Well, today we had cleaning checks, needless to say, it's hiding behind the bushes in our front yard. It will be brought back out when the snow has piled up, but SHHH, don't tell!!!
Pretty sure the BYU fans are the most dedicated fans!! 
Oh yes, it's fall, my favorite time of year up here!!!!
It's true, student teaching is almost half way over and I can't believe how fast it has truly gone. It feels like just yesterday that I was making my first test drive to SLC with mom just checking to see exactly how long it would take me to get there from Provo. In just 2 short weeks I will be switching from the Junior High level to the High School level. I can't believe it. These next couple months are going to be even busier than they have been, so expect to never see me!!
(You should probably be worried about me considering the fact the only social interaction I have is with children from the age of 7th to 9th grade. It's a problem when college kids don't begin hanging out at night until ten oclock, and my bedtime is 9:30 )
The picture is of my tag that I wear to school each day...just to make sure the faculty understands I am a teacher. I swear some of my students look older than I do (and that's at a junior high....I can't imagine what it'll be like at the High School.) Sometimes I am still caught in the hallway (A couple weeks ago I was taking my class to the computer lab and while we were all walking, the vice principal yells from across the cafeteria, "HEY!!! Where do you kids think you're going??" So I tried to sound in charge and replied with, "Oh it's okay, they're with me." I felt like a little girl playing school)
Every time I get a comment like "Miss Skinner, you look cute today" or, "Miss Skinner, is there anything I can do to help today," or "Miss Skinner, is it a sad day today," it quickly makes up for the 'tudes and sassy remarks from the kids. I'll sure miss those little cherubs.
Catch ya later!
Just when I thought my life had reached a high enough stress level, I began experiencing a sharp pain in the upper left side of my mouth. Yesterday and the day before it was just that uncomfortable type of sensation, you know, the bearable kind. However, within the last hour the pain has peaked. After tossing and turning in my bed for the past ten minutes while hoping the pain would cease and I'd be capable of falling asleep, I came to realize I was kidding myself. I finally gave in and took three (not two...THREE) lovely IBProfen. I can't wait for them to kick in.
You know how they say...When it rains it pours......well, I couldn't agree more.
(Pretty sure this is exactly what I've been doing for the last half hour....for some reason putting my hand over my teeth and jaw makes me feel better, ha....Reunited at last! Just wanted to be sure that everyone knows we have kept up with the Skinner/Farnsworth traditions.....cookies, cookies, and more cookies. This is the second Sunday in a row that we have celebrated our togetherness, and we plan on continuing it throughout the semester. 
A word from Emily....
Hello internet, this is my first time blogging! I love baking and eating cookies with Whitney. She is the coolest cousin ever! It's like having an older sister around. She tells me all I need to know about BYU, and she is always willing to listen to me. Love her to death! Over and out.
I just love her!!!!!!
Watermelon.
I am so incredibly sad that the peak of watermelon season is coming to an end. I think I have cut up about 6 watermelons this summer, no joke, maybe even more. In fact, there have been times when mom and I have decided to buy TWO watermelons, just in case one of them doesn't satisfy our need for a really good one.
Water Bottles.
This is my new best friend. I have always had a hard time drinking enough water, but this little beauty has been such a help this summer.
White Collar.
I have recently begun a new television show obsession. I love it for the story line, and for his beautiful face, obviously. Even my grandma admits that she'd watch the show regardless of how good or bad it was, just because he is so incredibly good looking. I would have to agree.
My dearest blog readers,
Do you ever wish you were someone else? I don't mean for the life they have or the way they grew up, but rather for their talents, the way they set goals and then accomplish them, their pizazz for life, their desire to do good things, their energy, their determination, and their ability to express their emotions in such a way that you can completely and totally relate? (sorry for the run-on sentence. You'll find that i don't use punctuation correctly. I apologize, however, this is my blog after all, and I'm not being graded...)
Today I had one of these moments.
For some strange reason that I don't understand (okay, so maybe it's not that strange, but from the perspective of the opposite sex, it could be), I found myself completely and utterly captivated by a former classmate's lovely blog. I think i spent a half hour today flipping through a number of her past posts when i should have been getting ready for school. (Boys just don't understand the joys that can come from 'blogging')
Everything about her blog is lovely: the way she writes, the pictures she takes, the boy she's dating, the food she makes, the fact that everything on her blog is real. She's real. Very real. I love that. I love that she writes about the simple things in life that bring her joy, and the fact that sometimes life isn't always perfect. She realizes, however, that she has everything to be grateful for and has every reason to be happy. I love that.
I want to be more like that. I want the pizazz for life, the determination to accomplish goals, the ability to develop interests into talents. I'm starting today.
Goals. I have a lot of these. Wish me luck.
yours truly,
whit
