the latest :)

Ok, so you might like to know what we are up to, since this was supposed to be a place I could let people know what the latest and greatest was in our lives.

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Well, as some of you know, I have taken on a second job.

I am working on my 2 days off at a local fabric store and love every minute of it. The atmosphere is awesome and the co-workers are great :)

They are closing soon though, because the owners are reaching retirement age and wanting to "slow down and smell the roses". If you know of anyone that wants an established, lucritive fabric store, I know of one you can buy!

  

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Our nieces turned 1 on Feb. 20th. They are as adorable as ever :)

Lucky me! I get to practice photography on toddlers :)

Btw, their mom freaks out every time I call them that, but they are!

They are both walking and Grace is talking!!

A few quick thoughts on Valentines Day

Just thought I'd post a few thoughts, before dashing out the door to work :)

And don't worry...there isn't a lot of gushy stuff :)

Sooo... This is the day that every single dreads. They go on facebook and there is an over whelming amount of gushy, sappy stuff...they can't help but groan.

I know cause I was there...not that long ago. This is my second Valentines Day to be in a relationship-first of being married. I think because we are still newly-weds, according to some anyway, every weekend could be a Valentines holiday-that and that we don't have kids yet. Lol!

Caleb talked about getting a hotel to stay in tonight, but I asked him if we could put that money aside for after we have kids and do need to get out of the house in order to have a romantic evening :)

So today for Caleb and I isn't that big of a deal :) He asked me what I wanted and I told him a freezer. You know why? Because in the long run, it will benefit him! For a long time now, I've wanted a chest freezer so that I could make big meals all at once. Then freeze it in meal sized portions so we could have a nice home-made meal even on the days I work. (You know, no one tells you before you marry, that it takes just as long, and the same amount of dishes, to make from scratch a meal for 2 or 10.)  Perfect plan. Last night he told me that we could go today and pick one. Yay!! Awesome.

Anyway, I guess my focus has been that if you have a Valentine, you should tell them everyday of the year, not just Valentines day. Also, if you don't-don't worry, they will come along at the right time, even if it seems they are late :)

To all my single friends-I have not forgotten what it's like!

This one is for you :)



My folks came to Colorado for Christmas!

This holiday season, Caleb and I were very blessed to get to spend it with family. We spent Thanksgiving in Texas with my family. For Christmas, my folks came here to Colorado and we spent Christmas with Caleb's family. Then we drove to California to spend sometime with relatives there.

While my folks were in Colorado, we went up on the Mesa, to Powder Horn, so the kids could sled since there wasn't enough snow in Junction. (We got quite a bit right before Christmas, so we did have a white Christmas...which was really nice.)



Ez trying to use her touch screen phone, while wearing gloves in freezing weather. Lol!

Mom taking pix

The view was beautiful!

♥ my hubby ♥

Got some cool light effcts...

On the brink of decision...

Ez, taking a turn.

Yes, that is my dear brother on skis.

Those are the best I have. I took a bunch with Ez's phone because mine died :/

After we got back, we had hot chocolate and chili. What an awesome way to warm up!



Ariella helping to get it ready.

Dad totally worn out.

Tobiah making use of our computer :)



Bryanna helping in the kitchen.

A very tired little girl.

Enjoying hot chocolate while rehashing the days spills and bumps :)

Chili anyone?

Those Infamous New Years Resolutions...

Everyone has New Year Resolutions, whether written down or mentally noted. Some are positive. Some are attainable...some not. Some are more comedic.

In case you haven't gotten any ideas for your own, I found some random ones that may get you thinking...or give you a chuckle :)

2011 what to leave and what to bring Leave: drama, enemies, hate, pain, violence, and tears. Bring: friends, family, smiles, laughter, love, hope, and peace.

My New Year's Resolution was going to be to quit all my bad habits, but then it occurred to me- no one likes a quitter.

This year, I plan to gain weight, sing off-key and have a little fun. Finally, resolutions I can keep!

New year resolution: laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, love a little deeper, and walk through life a little slower

I was going to make a New Year's resolution but decided, since I am already perfect, that it would be pointless!

And the most resolution-ed subject.

This year I'm using big words to sound smart...Sorry, I meant utilizing gargantuan idioms to simulate

intelligence.

BRING ON 2012. Can't be worse then the year I've had. Thanks to everyone who's dragged kicked or just got me thru this year cause without you I know I wouldn't be here.

2012 A NEW BEGINNING: Positive Attitude & Faith makes for a Fantastic New Year! Live <3 Laugh <3 Love <3

Blessings to you as you enter the new year!

Happy New Year!

Hope you had a happy and healthy, merry Christmas!

This year, for our first Christmas letter, I basically took excerpts from my blog and journal to tell about our year. So if you've read my blog, you pretty much read our letter :)

If you haven't, then you are most welcome to!

Here's a few snapshot highlights from our year!

The wedding!

The honeymoon ;-)

<3 And the honeymoon continues <3

We were blessed to be able to spend our first Christmas with both of our families, my folks came to Colorado for Christmas. Now we are in California visiting some of Dad's family.

We hope this holiday season finds each of you blessed with happiness and health, enjoying the company of family and friends.

I am so stoked!

First of all, let's get the definition of "stoked" out of the way. (Just in-case you were wondering.)
Stoked: Adj. When someone is really happy or excited about something. -Urban Dictionary

Who doesn't love a good bargain?!
I found this side-table a couple of months ago: $3

It needs to be refinished, but was exactly the size and shape I was looking for, and is very sturdy. That's always a plus :)

Furniture pillows: $1 ea.

Or, how do you like this cookbook I've been trying to find ever since I knew I was gonna be getting married. It's by far the most popular one in my mom's kitchen, especially for basic necessities such as, pancakes, waffles, muffins and cornbread :)
This morning, I found it at the local Good-will: $2

It's in near perfect condition and is very close to the edition Mom has, meaning old ;) But that is what I wanted, because the new ones aren't quite as good. IMO

My christmas decorations are up! (Humble that they are.)
Speaking of bargains and christmas, I found this little manger scene:$0.50

Since this is our first christmas together, we have very little to decorate with. Also being on a newly-wed budget, bargain christmas deco is a necessity. I'm waiting until the "after the christmas sale" to stock up for next year :)


Caleb and I are getting into photography, something that both of us have always aspired to, and dreamed of. Right now, we are in the research stage. Trying out different techniques with our nice but smaller camera, before we get a really nice one...like...a...Canon! Yes, we are biased :)

This last Sunday, the twins I babysit turned five. I have to tell you, they are the cutest 5 yr olds in the world. (Sorry. No pix, out of respect for the parents, because they don't know all my friends...I know, y'all are awesome...but you'll just have to take my word for it!) 
Monday, they were getting ready for school. Their mom was there to help, a nice treat since she is very busy. It seemed like she had the preparations for school under control, so I decided to go do some laundry. Next thing I know, she calls to me and says that one of the girls requested I do her hair. She really likes a side ponytail, and likes the way I do it, apparently. It was one of those moments that you go, "Awww...poor mom." Then, while your thinking that, your heart melts, "Yay! They like me." Lol! Dumb...I know. But usually it's, "When is Mommy gonna come home? I want her to do my hair." "You don't do it tight enough." "You didn't braid it long like Mommy does." So, needless to say, it totally made my day. It felt like maybe I had made a little progress in earning their trust :)
Here's a picture of what it kinda looked like, thanks to Google! Only she likes her's tight ;)

And, last but not least...
My family is coming to Colorado for Christmas!!
Ahhh! What are we gonna do for christmas dinner in our cute, but tiny, house?! What about sleeping arrangments? Any ideas? 
(Besides having them get a hotel room :)

Hope y'all are having a great week!

Btw, how do you like my new blog look? I know it's not very christmas-y, but feel free to leave comments :)

National Men Make Dinner Day

First of all, who ever heard of such a thing? National Men Make Dinner Day.
Well...apparently Caleb did yesterday on Klove.
So I get home from work last night and he is in the kitchen making dinner. Awesome!

He made Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and accompanied it with artisan bread and sparkling apple cider. Check it out!

I would just like to clarify that this not the first time he has made dinner. Its not like he does it all the time or anything, but he has on occasion :)

If you would like to check out this awesome "national" day, you can do so here :)

Following are the rules I found on the above linked website.

Official Rules
Rule #1: National men make dinner day is always celebrated on the first Thursday of each November.
Rule #2: Man agrees to participate in national men make dinner day. Bonus points if he does so without seeking promise of night out with boys in return.
Rule #3: Man, completely un-aided, chooses a 'published' recipe from any source, or Internet. Getting the recipe from 'her' cookbooks is allowed, but man gets bonus points if the recipe isn't already somewhere in the house.
Rule #4: Main meal must include minimum of 4 ingredients and require at least one cooking utensil other than a fork
Rule #5: Man goes shopping for 'all' necessary ingredients. Bonus points if he takes inventory of cupboards and fridge first, before shopping trip. So you don't end up with two 64 ounce jars of pickled pimentos.
Rule #6: Man organizes all necessary ingredients in order of importance on kitchen counter. At this point, he may need to make a phone call or shout out the word 'honey'! Followed by a question. This is not allowed.
Rule #7: Man may, if desired, turn on radio or his favourite CD. Man agrees not to be within 30 feet of TV remote during cooking process. At this point, spouse and any other family members should not be anywhere near kitchen. (unless smoke detector goes off!)
Rule #8: Following recipe carefully, man starts to cook dinner! Apron is optional, (bonus points if recipe includes one of the following : capers, saffron, or the word 'scallopini').
Rule #9: Man must use the 'clean as he goes along' rule! Following each completed use of utensils, cookware, half-used jars of anything, spice bottles, etc., everything is rinsed, cleaned and put away
Rule #10: Man sets table, candles are lit, beverages are poured, no ketchup bottles, sour cream containers, or big boxes of salt on table.
Rule #11: Spouse and/or family members are served! This is an opportune time for a photo. Man is 'allowed' to gloat no more than three times during the meal. Family is encouraged to congratulate man on job well done. Family dog is not allowed to be secretly fed man's cooking.
Rule #12: After meal, table is cleared by man, dishwasher is loaded. Man returns to table for stimulating after-dinner conversation. At this point, man is told how much his meal was appreciated. He, in turn, describes the joys and challenges of the experience. He is given a hug, and his TV remote is returned to him.