2009... what a year!

As usual, when New Years Eve rolls around my jaw just wants to drop to the floor in amazement of how quick the year went by. Didn't we just celebrate, like, last year? It has been a bumpy ride and I have nothing but faith that it will only get better from here.

We made the big move from California back to our home state of Colorado. I learned how much I don't like to move. I have learned more about myself this year. I have learned what it truly means to be forgiven and to be shown unconditional love. I celebrated my 22nd birthday and shortly after watched my baby turn TWO! I learned some not-so-easy lessons, that I am forever changed by. I am more thankful for my family than ever before and know to never take them for granted because they will always have your back. And yesterday, we celebrated our third wedding anniversary!

To be honest, I am not really looking forward to watching the calendar roll over to 2010. I am beyond nervous for the upcoming year. I will not take these next 6 months for granted before I watch my Hero walk out my door for a whole year. I know it's going to take a whole lot of faith and prayers, but I know I will be strong for him, and for my baby.
I just know that I am enjoying the last day of 2009 and for that matter the last day of this decade. Wow!
Blessing to your New Year!

Two years ago today..

I love looking back at old pictures and comparing then to now!
I definitely feel like I looked like I weighed less (how does that happen??) two years ago. Must have been all the breast-feeding.

Those moments are such a blur, mainly because of the lack of sleep.

Desert snow

One year ago yesterday, while we were living in the desert of California, we got hit with a very strange snow storm. Meaning, it doesn't snow there. Ever. Post was shut down, the one road leading on and off base was shut down, all stores were shut down. A place like that doesn't have snow plows. There is no way they were prepared for it. Here is one of my favorite pictures!

Because who doesn't like to eat eggs right next to the Jolly Ol' Man?

On Saturday morning, we rushed to get out the door so we could make it to the zoo by 9am. (Side note, we are up before the crack of dawn every day, but getting out the door is a mucho different story....) Mr. Claus himself was hosting breakfast! They had a great buffet for a small fortune, but it was so worth it. They brought in some snakes and desert tortoises for the kids to pet, then each kid got to sit on Santa's lap. I was actually surprised that Cayden wasn't scared of him. He had a stocking full of candy canes that he was giving to the kids and Cayden must have taken note because he ran right up and tried to steal a few. He did sit on his lap, granted he was quite shell-shocked and didn't say one single word.

Tour of Homes! Christmas

I am so excited to participate in this years Tour of homes. I was just on the sidelines last year.

This is our third Christmas as a married couple, so we really haven't accumulated very many decorations yet. I imagine in about twenty years my house will look like my Mom's, or Grandmom's.

Head over to The Nesting Place and click on a link or two, or join in yourself.




Our tree! I love all the red and silver balls on it.




After Christmas a few years ago I ordered these off of Pottery Barn's website for 50% off! I LOVE them.


Up close, of mine of course :)





Since we were born, my Grandmom has started a Hallmark collection for each one of us. I have the puppy collection! I got to steal about 12 of them off my Mom's tree.



Close up of my artifical "blue spruce" ;)





Some presents and little Santa countdown. I think next year I will fill the presents up with some dark red bulbs. They are definitely missing something.





I used our pantry door to hold our advent calendar and Christmas cards. I am holding hope that I will get some more soon! (Come on, don't I have more friends/family than that?!)



Santa next to my little cutie and FAVORITE Party Lite Christmas tree candle!



While I was walking around Michaels a few weeks ago, I spur of the moment decided to make my own wreath! I love the purples and silvers, but I am still on the lookout for a big ol' bow to go on it. Anyone specialize on making bows?

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Fifty-one. Sorry, just had to announce it.

Happy Birthday, to my favorite Dad and Cayden's favorite Papa and Kele's favorite Father-in-law.

Today, half a century +1 year you entered this world. You were your Mom's 4th son. Of corse she was hoping you were a girl. God bless her soul.
I am so thankful to have you as my Dad, and I love that you are Cayden's best buddy. I am thankful that I inherited your worry-gene, and your nose and your hair. But truely, I love that you are the most caring Dad I know and always put your children (Well, at least me..hehe) before youself. Hope your birthday is special and that you are around for another 50.

In case you were pondering....

For all of you that are completely stuck on what to get me, here is a little help..... ;)




#1. DVR. Not only could I save 20 minutes per 1 hour show just by skipping over the commercials, I would never have to miss a show again, argue with DH about what to watch, and I could catch up on shows during nap time!








#2. Coach bag. I'm not picky. As long as its big.
#3. New Charlotte Rousse jeans. Because they are my favorite. And aren't expensive. And it only took me so long to find my favorite jeans. Please inquire on size.


#4. For the Army to change their minds and decide they DON'T need my husband in Afghanistan for 12 months. Self explanatory.

#5. Maid/Housekeeper. Really, once a week would be just fine. Someone to just mop and clean bathrooms is all I ask for. Any takers??

#6. Target giftcard(s). Because we ALL know those would be put to good use.


What's on your list this year?

So happy it's Friday!

We are home with the sniffles and I am finding all sorts of new blogs! So I am going to join yet another blog hop and join into The (Un)Experienced Mom's Fill in the blank Friday!
Here is this weeks fill in the blank...

The children's show I can't stand is_____________.
But the show I secretly like is _________________.

Do I have to choose only one show? I cannot stand Yo! Gabba Gabba.. Or the Wiggles..
The show that I secretly like is Little Einsteins! It's just so catchy.
What are yours?

Five Question Friday-- 12-11-09

Holy 11th of December... How on earth did that happen???

I have missed the last two weeks of five question friday so am pretty excited to join again! Head over to Mama M's blog and get with the fun!

Here we go!

1. Does Santa wrap the presents he leaves at your house?
Growing up, Santa would wrap all the little presents, but leave our big special present unwrapped. However, Santa decided he will wrap all of little C's presents.

2. When is your "big" Christmas celebration...Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Tell us about it...
Actually, all week it feels like! This year, we will be celebrating with DH's immediate family on the 20th, going to Christmas Eve Eve church celebration on the 23rd, the rest of DH's family on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning will be spent with my Parents and siblings, then heading over to my Dad's parents (Weenie and Pompa!) for brunch, and after that going to my Mom's parents to spend the rest of the day.

3. Are you big on keeping tradition every year?
I would like to think so! It seems that we have been so lucky to be able to spend the day with all of the family! Not many people can say that.

4. Do colored lights or white lights tickle your fancy?
Definitely white lights!! Or red ;)

5. Do you decorate outside your house for Christmas?
We do! Not as much as I'd like, but DH put up lights and I made a wreath this year!

New blog!

It has been a while since I have blogged! I am hoping that you followed me over here from my previous blog but if you are a new reader, welcome!
I tend to go on blogging spurts... I get tons of ideas in my head and blog for about two weeks, and then I lose the funk. I am hoping I get better!

Here is my journey as I try and survive the terrible twos and get ready for our first deployment with the Army.