Christmas Day!!Our 1st Married Christmas!

So James and I did big presents for each other this year......so we didnt get lots of little things that add up.....

I got my kitchen aid(Black Friday Special)

Also another LoveSac - the SuperSac

A tv for our Bedroom ( Black Friday Special)

So Christmas morning we didnt open a ton from each other...but my mom and dad made up for it!!

Thanks mom and dad!!

SO did I mention there was snow....A ton more!!!


After opening presents at our house...we went to James Mom and Dads house! Christopher was already there....helping make breakfast!! We were waiting for everyone to come over, for it to be a full house! With all the kids and just as many adults!!

Once everyone came over Dan read a story for Christmas...and we then opened presents :)

After we opened presents James mom and Dan bought presents for a white elephant game! It was so much fun!!!
Soon after...we ran home and got ready for our ski trip!!!

It was a beautiful trip up to Stevens! And even more fun skiing!!!It is such a great tradition that we hope to keep!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve

So today was amazing! We were able to wake up and it be white!! It was snowing again..something we dont get too often here!James and I got up early and were going to take his dad to Leavenworth but since it kept getting worse outside...his dad decided against it! It was ok! We ran to target...then to the grocery store so I can make some last min things for Christmas Eve at his sisters!!

I was baking away all morning then we went over early to help get ready....we waited for Aric and Lena and the kids to get there so we can eat :) We had lots of good food....then watched a movie and talked....then opened presents!!



Afterwards we ran to his mom and dads house and got our presents that my mom and dad sent!We got home and Leilani came over and got our presents so she could wrap them- so we have some things to open together in the morning :)

Then James and I opened our Christmas Eve presents!!!
Hmmm...I wonder what they are???

Then I got our stockings ready.....Now time for bed!!

Busy Busy

I can tell it is right before Christmas ecspecially this year!! Tons of snow!! Since all of the stores have been closed and it has been hard for people to get out of driveways...Leilani,Michael and I decided to do some shopping! We went to target and got some last min things..I got James his stocking stuffers,pajamas, and lots more things that I didnt need to get :) Then we went to costco and it was suprisingly empty! I love buisness costco! Then we went to half priced books...looking for a Lord of the Ring movie.... but no luck! I did find some things for my stocking though :) Then we went to the grocery store...and then got some pizza!

After we got home we were meeting up with Sam and Jeremy to do our little Christmas with them...we picked them up since the snow was getting worse and we were suppose to get a ton more!Sam and Jeremy got me these cute strainers that I wanted and some bowls and a picture! They got James the new Narnia and a hat(which I love)!!

We went to the movies to go see 7lbs....

Honestly...I love just about every movie..I am an easy critic....But this movie...I would not want to see again. It just dosent have a great message.....

Our 5 month Anniversary

So we have been getting so much snow!Today we woke up and it was so snowy!!!I havent driven a ton in the last 4 years....even though I am used to a ton more snow than we get here...With my bad luck with my car or any car I get...It is best for me not to drive in too much snow!

So I had an organizing day! So when James got home he brought me some chains!! What a great anniversary present!Then of course we had to go out and use them!!!What a difference it makes!


We went out shopping....and went to dinner then went home and watched movies!!!What a great day!!!

Gingerbread Houses!

So Sam and Jeremy came over and we did our second annual Gingerbread House decorating!! This year Sam and I found these cheap houses and got them on sale (note to self...dont buy cheap things) These were definatley a lot harder to make, the frosting you had to mix yourself..and really wasnt easy to use! But we all made it work!!! Sam and Jeremy even managed to keep the roof on their house ( but the side was caving in :) It was a fun night!!And afterwards we played Cranium POP version!Seriously our new favorite game!!!!

Leavenworth!

So yes James and I go here way to often! But I love it!!And guess what there is snow!!!I love that even more! The drive was so beautiful and really makes you appreciate all we have!

So on the way we of course had to stop at our little knife shop!We got a knife for James brother and of course James!

Then we went to Leavenworth and we have never seen it so crazy!!The parking was insane!We first went to the Bakery and got some amazing rasin bread! Then we went into town and the kids had to sled...we made a reservation at my favorite restraunt Andreas Keller!We went to some shops....looked around and then had dinner! Once we were done Rozemary and I ran to the fudge shop,and almost missed the lighting!The lighting was great! Then went to the shops...and headed home! I think we brought the snow home with us!!Because it didnt stop!

Cookie Decorating Party!!

Well dont we all like to get in the Christmas Spirit!! Rozemary and Janzen had us over Aryn, and Will and Eileen and all the kids!

We watched movies and played games...and of course decorated cookies!!Yummmm!!

Dec 6th St.Nicholas Day!

So to celebrate the Christmas Season we went to the Bothell Tree Lighting and to see Santa fly in! ( note to self...dont take little kids to see this Santa!) We had fun going to all the little shops...getting hot chocolate and enjoying the cold weather! Here are some pictures!!!

Our Christmas Tree!

I know it isnt December yet but it is close enough!! Sam and I have been planning this day out!!It is our tradition to go to this tree farm in Woodinville!Last year it was amazing and it snowed! But this year no snow...but great service!



Afterwards we took the tree to both of our houses and went to dinner and saw the movie Four Christmas' - it was a great movie!!

Such a fun night!!

Black Friday!!

So I was determined to go to Walmart this year...but it was super cold!My friend wanted to go with me..and couldnt end up going..so I really didnt want to wait in line by myself! And what fun would that be??? So I talked to my friend Sandy and she said she was thinking about going...but to the one in marysville because it was inside!What??You can wait inside at a superwalmart!!! Well we were on our way, and we got there about 1:30am!!

So we got to Walmart and all went our seperate ways for each item we wanted!It took forever to find where the kitchen aid was...so when we found it I camped out next to it!I also needed a tv for our bedroom so chelsea was getting it for me!So a few hours later the lines were getting longer...people getting meaner...and I was talking to these girls that I have met sometime??Cant figure out where?But they were going to get a kitchen aid for me while I went and got the tv!So we were going to meet right after!Thank goodness I went to the tv or we wouldnt have got it!!Yay for black friday!!

So later that day I decorated our house!!Excited to go get a tree the next day!! And then went out shopping again with Leilanie!!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was fun and busy!We went to Jennys ( James sisters house) and took family pictures with all the brother and sisters and nieces and newphews! There was a lot of good food...which ends up making everyone very tired!Here are some pictures...after dinner lots of sleeping and movies!

Twilight

I refused to read Twilight for far to long...Who jumps up at the oppotunity to read a book about vampires anyway????Well I wasnt too thrilled on the idea till one of my young women asked me to go with her and a group of people to go see it on opening night!So they got tickets...but one problem I didnt read the book yet! Well I read it on my flight back from Ohio and I fell in love! It was so great and I couldnt wait to see the movie.

So in the theatres here they opened up for seating at 6:30 for the midnight showing...So my friends brother got there at 6:15 needless to say we had amazing seats! We got there a bit later and relieved her brother and his girlfriend....Who knew I would have gone to a movie over 3hrs early???

Well, I thought it was so worth it!! I want to see it again and can't wait till it comes on blue-ray!!! Of course there are a few changes from the book...but if you think about them they make sense!!!

I love the characters in the movie and thought it was great!! Cant wait to see it again!!

4th day in OHIO

So today was the last day in Ohio for a bit!!So it was covered in snow outside! And we had to go to the post office to ship off 9 packages!We started driving and it was horrible ( not like washington horrible...lol! and the kids were all in school) Well we got to the post office...and we decided to take the back roads to aurora :) We were so glad we did because we didnt want to miss our tradition of going to Chagrin Falls to the Yours Truly Cafe for some Lotso Notso fries, and fried artichokes! YUMM!! Also we can't forget the herb shop, where of course I found some amazing finds!! And the dog bakery ( where my mom found a few outfits for her dog and yes i got all of the dogs treats and fufu some bows!)



Max's Fashion Show - I hope you enjoyed!

So after we got back my Grandparents came...I finished packing then off to the airport!

The snow was suppose to stop...but they were wrong! It got so much worse...my mom missed her meeting because the traffic and roads were too bad and my brother even called to see if I was making it out!

As we are on this rather large plane...the flight wasnt even half full with 14 of us on it! They said we were ready to take off and we would be early...but that didnt happen we sat there for over an hour so they could de-ice us! So we got to atlanta late and I barely had enough time to get a drink(which later on the plane I spilled all over my self) Thank goodness delta still gives drinks and snacks!

I had the nicest couple sitting next to me they live in BC and were just coming back from Mexico for there 10yr anniversary!We talked for awhile....but I was then on a mission to finish reading TWILIGHT!Since I am going to the midnight showing.....when I get back!SO I was able to finish it! I cant wait for the next ones!! And yes...I refused to read it forever and I gave in!! But it is amazing!

So I got to the airport and James was there with these beautiful roses!! I sure missed him!!!

3rd Day in OHIO

So today was finishing up with the storage unit... Gideon had to get rid of the rest of my furniture ( luckily his good friends boss took all of it! ) So we just had to return the truck!

Then we went to breakfast at Bob Evans... It was fun to get to chat! Afterwards we went to Gideons house and got to play with our new niece Madison and of course Aiden! It was great to be able to spend so much time with them! That is the hard thing with living so far away! (But it is nice to enjoy the time while we can)



After spending time with the kids,I cut Pam's hair and then my moms :) Then Pam decided she wanted to go a lot shorter so we cut off another 6 inches!

We needed to head out since the weather was getting bad.... We got home and I started on some work.... Then Lauren came over and we were able to chat for a bit and head to Gabes & Chipotle! Our fav!!!

2nd day in OHIO

So today I was very sleepy waking up....but my brother came and got me, then off to the storage unit we went! One problem...I didnt know the code, or even the # of the unit! So off to a good start! Well after making a few phone calls...we got in...But we couldnt get the truck till 10am! So I started going through boxes and organizing!Soon my other brother came to help, along with Lauren, my cousin colin, and Gideon's Father in law! So after everyone got a few things to take home...we were loaded up! Took all the boxes to my moms...so I could ship to Seattle...and the rest goes to my brother and Goodwill! We were planning on it taking a few days! So it was exciting to be done in 1hour!!! Thank you everyone for your help!!

So, Lauren took me home..then she had to run off.. And I started going through all my boxes! It felt like an early christmas! Then my mom and I ran out...we went to the apple orchard!! YUMM!! Too bad I couldnt take any cider on the plane! Then we went to Gabes! And Starbucks!!Our fav!!

Then off to my newphews 2nd Birthday party!! It was a blast! He had so much fun and it was so great to see my family there!!

O-H-I-O

So I was sort of dreading this trip,since it was for me to empty out my storage unit...
So the night before I didnt sleep since we had to leave for the airport at 3am! So I was a very quiet person on the plane! I was exhausted! The guy next to me was like you looked like a pretzel all night!Well I arrived into Atlanta very exhausted and hurried to my next plane...then got to ohio at 6pm! Once arriving to Ohio.... my brother Gideon picked me up along with his wife and kids.... We went and met my mom and Jonas at Applebees...

As we were leaving...whats outside???SNOW!!!

* So here are some pics from the first day!!I was a party pooper and fell asleep so my mom thought she had the right to take pictures!

James - James Bond 007

So we have waited for ever for this movie to come out!!! We have been counting down the days!!!We even pre-ordered tickets! Daniel Craig is by far the best James Bond! We are easy critics...but loved the movie!! We were on the edge of our seats the whole time!

So it was a great movie and we had an amazing night!!Even though we didnt eat the pumpkin pie in my purse that Rozemary had to have!!! And the whip cream!( Seriously not a movie for eating pie)Hehe! But we did get some wheat grass Jamba juice with a double shot! And a blended cream mint chocolate chip from starbucks ( but we couldnt drink it :( the didnt understand - no coffee!!! )

Another Bank Holiday ( and I have the greatest Boss who lets me have them off too)

So today we had an exciting day planned! We had even been checking the weather to make sure it wasnt going to rain while we were on our little trip! But, the whole entire trip it poured! Then we got a little closer and it sprinkled! But when we finally arrived at our destination in Oregon....It was pouring!

So James and I decided to embrace the day! We had to stop in the little souviner shop to get some batteries for our camera...then we went and got a trail map for our little hike ( and got a loaner umbrella)....and what would a hike be without hot chocolate! ( well, the umbrella really didnt help much- it was one more thing to carry & the hotchocolate - should have been a bottle of water! And not to self - have James dress me next time!)

So we started our hike...and this was any easy one! You can see the most beautiful waterfall from the road! Then you climb up a little trail ( 2min up) and you are on the bridge! It was great!!!

Just Kidding!! That wasnt all of it! We went further! A lot further! We ended up soaked and were able to see even more waterfalls!It was such a great hike! And I would really recommend doing it! (well just be prepared!)

After our hike and lots of pictures later.....
We ate at the little restraunt at the bottom of it!We were so soaked and covered in dirt we had to ask if we were even aloud in!!! Hehe!!!Seriously! It was a nice restraunt and great food!!!

Then we got in the car...and shedded from our soaked clothes! Then off to the Portland Temple!!! We were going to do a 4:30 Session so we hurried on down!

It was such a great experience! James and I have never been there and it was gorgeous!!!We got out late...so it was dark! So the pictures arent the greatest!!

It was a great day! And back to reality! Thank goodness for miny vacations ( and for James always being up for something new!)

Allen & Sharis Wedding

Today was such a busy day, with James working, then catching up on life....doing hair! And then we were able to go and celebrate Allen & Shari Anderson's special day!!! They were sealed together in the Seattle Temple and then had a reception at the Harbour Pointe building! It was a rather rainy and gloomy day...but as soon as they came out of the Temple it began to be sunny...just long enough for pictures! The Temple was still under construction...but good thing Lena is so good at editing!!!They had a beautiful reception and they looked amazing!



* Aric and Lenas kids did get ahold of the camera too :)

Christophers Birthday Party!

So this year we had a family birthday party for Christopher at Red Robyn! It was so nice to have everyone there! And celebrate his special day! Aric and Lena & the kids even got to come....even after a long trip to Utah!! We were so glad they can make it!



** It was amazing food and good service!

Life

Life has been so busy with work, young womens/young mens, and I have been doing a ton of hair! Thank goodness.....

So by the time I get home I am to exhausted to keep up!! But we are back in business!!!

So expect more to come!!!!

Halloween!

So this Halloween we passed out candy and unfortunately didnt get too many trick or treaters! Our first ones for the night were the VanDykes! They were all so adorable! They did a great job dressing up!

So Today is Christophers Bday! So he came over and we gave him his presents! And then we were headed out to go to Becky's Halloween party ( after Leilanie and I went and got a cake for his Bday) We didnt dress up too much ..James and I were Ohio State Fans, Christopher was Harrison Ford, and Leilanie came with and she was Sarah Palin :)

We got to catch up with all of our friends from the Halls Lake ward.... and were able to sing Happy Birthday to Christopher!

Pumpkin Carving FHE

So today I was just getting the start of a cold...but we made plans to go to Allison & Chris for a pumpkin carving FHE! It was nice to catch up with Allison & Chris, Amy & Nathan,& Laura & Daniel! We had some good treats and enjoyed carving the pumpkins! I think James had a little too much fun!!!

A weekend with our niece and newphew!

So Jenny had to go out of town so we got to watch Jaiden & Tryston! Which is a real treat for us! And I know they enjoy coming over for more than just playing with our dogs and our game consoles!

It was a lot of fun! We of course got to watch lots of movies, have pizza, stay up late...and do all the things a "cool" aunt and uncle get to do! On Saturday Tryston had to leave that morning to go play a baseball game, so we took Jaiden out for the day!!

We started out getting her a new outfit...since she forgot he jacket :) Then we went up to Seattle where we went to the Ski & Snowboard expo!!! YAY!!! It is that time of year again!!! We enjoyed seeing all the different vendors! And we got our tickets early for stevens and whistler!!! SKI SEASON HERE WE COME!!!

Jaiden did have fun...but was excited to go to pikes place and feed the Seagulls! So we went to Ivars our favorite!! And Jaiden got to feed the seagulls! Which she had a blast!!!



Then we went to pikes place...and it was a blast!! It was a lot of fun!!! We can't wait to watch them again!

Carving Pumpkins!

So we had a little pumpkin carving night with Sam & Jeremy, Steve & Keilah, and some more of Sams friends! It was a great night to get together and have lots of fun with pumpkin guts!!

Corn Maze!!

So tonight for Young Mens & Young Womens Activity we went to a corn maze! It was the State one..It was a lot of fun...It started off with a little tractor ride! Then it brought you to the begining...The whole corn maze is a map of the state it contains over 250 actual roads and 400 places and towns marked by signs!! So it might be neat in the day too...when it isnt pouring!!!

We split up in groups....each of the groups needed a leader so I had to leave Cindy ( I promised her she wouldnt be scared and she would like it) She survived!!!

He we are soaked and muddy!!! It was fun though!! There was hot apple cider and cookies afterwards....Then we went home! I got the pleasure of riding with Jen and her husband and their too cute son Clark!! It was great to chat!!!

Afterwards, I was craving hot chocolate from Seattle's Best!!! Yumm!! Seriously if you havent tried it go!!! Yumm!! I grabbed some for Leilanie too...since she just got all her wisdom teeth pulled out :(

I went home visited with Leilanie for a bit....

Then got to come home to this:

Seriously I have the most amazing husband ever!!! Who would have thought he would ever do this for me!!! He is so great and I cant let him know enough!!!! I love you James!!!!

Family Home Evening

This weeks lesson was on Food Storage! It was a great lesson to prepare for and learn more about! I have been getting these wonderful emails from one of my second moms...she is the most spiritual person I know and they have all been centered around "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear". Almost every Prophet has counseled about food storage...It is not because we are waiting for this big thing to happen...It is something that we all need to do, not only to be prepared but to follow what our Prophets are teaching us. Are we Following our Prophets counsel? All of it??? At one time or another, nearly every family will face accidents, illness, unemployment, or other emergencies that will require them to depend on the resources they have stored.

With how the Economy is, with all that is going on the world...Everyone should get their lives in order. So, doing our lesson on Food Storage helped us realize that we need to do just that! I have this Emergency Preparedness Manual...Which is about 150 pages! I got it from one of my second moms! It is amazing...It has a guide on how to aquire enough food storage for a years supply in 52 weeks...It shows you what to do in any case of emergency....It shows how to hide food storage in your home( since some of us dont have a big home)! It is great to start to get prepared!

We read a few articles from different Prophets and Authorities...There are so many great ones...And no matter what year and time in our lives...They are always letting us know how important Food Storage is!!

Since we had Michael and Leilanie come over for FHE we were able to play a food storage Bingo!! It was fun...The winner was Leilanie - ( the winner got to choose one of the other teams wedding regifts!) So she got some bbq tools...Since we have so many!!!

We all had a great discussion and planned our food storage...and how we will aquire it!! Plus now that it is Leilanie & Michael, then James & I, then Elizabeth are all neighbors...We are planting a garden in our backyard!!! For now...we will start one inside!!!

I love bank holidays!!!

So today is Columbus day....a bank holiday which equals a great excuse to go on a mini vacation!!!

James and I decided to go and take a drive with the little rascals!! We went down highway 2 and wanted to see the snow at Stevens Pass! Well there was some sticking!! Yay!! We cant wait for Skii season!!! So the drive was the most beautiful ever!! In the morning it was a completely different view then we got in the evening! The morning was still amazing seeing all the fog on the tops of the mountains and just over the trees and then in the middle of the day we got to see the beautiful fall colors!! Driving in the mountains,skiing, and all the amazing things to do is why I love Seattle!!









So when we passed Stevens Pass about 20 miles past...is James favorite! This little knife shop!He did take awhile looking for the perfect knife...he did find some throwing knifes!! And we picked up some stuff for my parents for christmas!

Then we went down to Leavenworth! Wow it was beautiful!!We went to the little bakery...and got some amazing bread!! My favorite!!!Then we went into town and parked...Rosco and Fufu were so excited to get out and go for a walk!!

We were just walking around town...we toured more of it than ever! Come to find a quilt shop,yarn shop, and a knife shop...plus some other really cool stores! Then we went to the little dog store...and got them some treats!! We got them some amazing dog shampoo - let me say James was so excited!!!

Then I was starving since we stopped earlier and got shakes...but I can only eat so much icecream!! So James ate all mine :) We went and I got a bratwurst and some saurkraut!! Yumm!! I can eat it everyday!!!

We walked for a little while more....then off to the rest of our adventure!!!

I have been craving apple cider since we were in ohio....seriously - no one has any like it here :(

So we drove to Wenatchee! We found these two cute little farmers markets!! One would be perfect if we had kids with us!!! It was a lot of fun to tour around!!!

It was such an amazing perfect day!! I am so glad James was up for the trip!! We even found this great little place to go camping!!! Hmmm...when should we go next!!!

It is that time of year again!!

It is fall and it is so wonderful!! I love all the leaves changing, the pumpkins everywhere, the apple orchards, and pumpkin in everything!!!The smell outside!!
This year I actually decorated early!!( I will need to take pictures!) We have spider webs in our window...lights outside!! And of course Mums!!!

This last weekend we went over to Dave & Michelle's! Michelle made this great chili! Just perfect for the weather!!! And there were some amazing rolls & a great salad!! I did make some pumpkin cookies....but James ate them before we went over...So we had to stop at albertsons!
After dinner, Michelle bought pumpkins from Central Market...so we carved them!!!It was a lot of fun!!!

Then Dave picked out a movie - Ghostbusters!! It was a good movie...but late:) I think Michelle and I slept through half of it!
We had a great night!!!

Here are the finished pumpkins - Ours is just a basic happy halloween :)

Michelle and Dave got creative and did Jekyll & Hyde Pumpkin!

A night out with James :)

So we promised James sister Jenny that we would be there "driver" for the night...Since she was taking Jaiden to go see The Phantom of the Opera!

James and I were going to go see a movie..but got there later than expected! So we went to the northgate mall...and went to my favorite!! California Pizza Kitchen!! We of course got the bbq chicken pizza and the bbq chicken chopped salad!! Yumm!!! Afterwards we went to the mall...got my rings cleaned...looked at the knife shop...and got some dessert- Starbucks mint chocolate creme frappacino!! Yumm!!

So we had some extra time..so we ran and got James a chocolate shake! And I read the new Nicholas Sparks book- It was amazing!! While...James drew pictures all over my car windows!

We went and picked them up..They had such a great time!! They were all dressed up and Jaiden had the time of her life!!

It was a great night!

* This is the rose James brought home for me..along with some yummy icecream!! He is the greatest!!!