2013, The Highlights

How did it suddenly become December 31st? What?? I cannot believe how fast this year went. I know, it's cliche, but it really is amazing.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

In January we sent this guy off to Virginia. I miss him! It was so wonderful to be able to talk to him on Christmas. Man, it is such a blessing to have a missionary in your family! And almost one year down!

Then, Colten moved into the apartment we would live in when we got married, and we made this: 

But soon, we got some sweet furniture and it turned into this:

Best investment I think we'll ever make. 

We got some AMAZING Formals done . . . and unveiled my dress to Colten:

We also sent my brother-in-law Jacen off to the Alpine German-Speaking Mission (Austria, Switzerland, Germany) I don't have a picture of the day he left, but here's one of him wearing one of our coral wedding ties on our wedding day:

On March 5th (which was also Colten's 23rd birthday) I went through the temple to receive my endowments. And it was incredible. If you haven't gone through the temple yet, do everything you can to get there someday! It is beautiful and everything right. 

And then what was that important thing that happened on March 8th . . . . OH yes: The day my last name changed! This year, my life changed as I created this new family: Me and Colten, sealed together for eternity! 

And while I'm still a Haderlie . . . 

I'm now part of the amazing Sponseller family too!

And I got to be a part of my new sister Alyc and new brother Ethan's wedding day in April!

I had a pretty quiet summer, but we had a fun trip to Southern Utah with our friends the Rubens

And an amazing trip to Michigan where we had a "tri-ception" with the three Sponsellers that got married: Gustin & Heather, Colten & Sarah, Alyc & Ethan

Then school started for both me and Colten. He took three classes, and I took a bunch, and he worked, and I rode my bike around since we had to sell our second car.

Then I got a new job! Teaching 5th grade orchestra at Timpanogos Elementary!

We did school, Colten started working at home (so I could use the car, just as it started getting cold!) and I learned how to like cooking!

We also went on a fun hunting trip where we got to see this beautiful scenery:

And then Colten and I dressed up awesome for Halloween (I was his Indian Queen, obviously, and yes, he is wearing a tunic):

In November, we got to go to the Marine Corps Ball and listen to the gust of honor, Elder L. Tom Perry, give a speech:

Then in December we had a wonderful Christmas violin recital:

And then we finished up the semester and flew to Michigan for Christmas!

We loved spending time at the Sponsellers! We flew home and had a mini Christmas at the Haderlies too:

And here we are, at the end of 2013 -- ready to take on a new year. I'm anticipating great things! I look forward to graduating this next year, celebrating our one year anniversary in March, cheering on Colten in his schooling, learning to cook more things, teaching violin and orchestra, reading more books, and whatever else this year may bring. It's exciting! I feel right on the edge of a great adventure! 

Happy New Year!

Curry for Two

Sometimes, I remember that summer I spent in India, and my mouth starts watering for curry. And although I think this recipe leans more toward Thai curry, the curry powder still smells like India to me (minus the garbage). However, this curry is great for my husband and I, because let's be honest: he's not that adventurous when it comes to food. This curry is not spicy at all, and because of the coconut milk, it's actually pretty sweet. I love it so much! And, I quote my husband, "It's so dang good."
(Okay fine, I just asked him to say something nice about my curry. He did a good job. I guess I'll keep feeding him.)

Curry

Sized for two

Assemble Ingredients:

1 chicken breast

2 potatoes (we like red potatoes, leave the skin on)

onion (I used half)

1 garlic clove (I did not use that whole garlic bulb, I promise)

1 green pepper (or you could use whatever color of pepper you have on hand)

1 Tbsp. Curry Powder

1 can Coconut Milk

2 Tbsp. Fish Sauce (found in the Asian food section)

Step One: chop onions and garlic . . .

. . . and sauté them in a little oil

{Don't forget to make some rice! (I almost did . . .) I put 1 1/2 cup in my rice cooker}

Step Two: Cut up your chicken . . .

. . . and add it to your pan along with the curry powder and fish sauce

Step Three: once the chicken is cooked, add your can of coconut milk and bring to a boil

Step Four: while the pan is simmering, cut up your potatoes and pepper . . .

{It's boiling!}

. . . and then get those potatoes and that pepper in and let them cook!

Once the potatoes are soft, you're done!

Okay, it's optional to eat it with chopsticks . . . but it's way more fun. Eat your delicious curry over rice!