Valentines Day

I had to work this Valentines Day, so that kind of put a damper on any plans for us. We did shared a nice dinner that Alex made (turkey burgers and salad) and opened our gifts. Alex bought be another Willow Tree figurine and some chocolates. I got him an iTunes gift card, his favorite chocolate and a breakfast-in-bed tray. We had been talking about needing to get him a tray because I had one from last Valentines day so when we would eat in bed, he was stuck using whatever he could find. But now we can both sit in bed with our trays holding our yummy chinese food. It might sound kinda lazy that we eat in bed, but when I come home 8:00 pm I just want to get to bed as soon as possible. So to me, it's relaxing to sit in bed with my hubby watching some tv and eating some food. And I don't think he minds either. Anyway, I have gotten off subject. Since we weren't able to go out or do anything together on Valentines Day we decided to do something this weekend when we are both off work. We are going to the broadway show CATS!! We are both really excited and I will post pictures as soon as I can!!!

Blog Templates/background

Oh my heavens!!! I have just spent over an hour trying to figure out how to change my template/background. I didn't think it would be that complicated, but it was a bit of a challenge for me. But now I think I have the hang of it, so I thought I would at least post a new blog to go on it. :)

Snow!!

I have been wanting to blog about this for a while now, but just haven't gotten around to it. On Jan 29 2009 the Hampton Roads area in Virginia got hit with the biggest snow storm in 20 years!! Comparatively, it was nothing when considering other parts of the country get so much more on a regular basis. It reminded me of growing up in Nevada where snow storms of that size happened at least once every winter, if not more. And school never closed down for snow unless it was over a foot deep. I think the totals in the area were around 6-8" combined on Sat and Sun and school closed the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. To us, that just seems so crazy!! And the roads were terrible!!! Back home, the roads would have been plowed and salted with ease. No one would have thought twice about driving to work or school. But not here!! Most of the main highways were ok, but all of the rest were sheets of ice. At my work people were allowed to stay the night because if they left knowing the weather conditions and didn't come back, they would be terminated. Crazy, huh? But I had our truck and it got me where I needed to go and for that I was VERY grateful!! I wish I would have taken pictures of the white blackets that covered the city streets, or the sparkle of our pure whiteback yard as the sun gleamed through the storm. By the time I got around to it, everything had already turned into a wet, muddy mess. Alex didn't think that it was worth taking pictures of cause "we've seen snow before and we'll see it again" And he might be right, but next time I don't think I will miss the chance.

New Years

2009 ended in the best way that it could have possibly ended. I may have been asleep when the ball dropped, but I was in my nice home, with my wonderful husband asleep beside me. Our adorable dog was snoozing in her crate and the cat was curled up on the floor. Just a peaceful, dreamy way to enter the New Year. And I wouldn't trade it for any big party or alcoholic beverage that so many enjoy on this night. It's just not for me.
As the year ended I began to think about all the wonderful things that occurred in 2009. I moved to be closer to Alex. We began such a wonderful relationship which lead to marriage to my best friend. We bought a house together. Something that we could call ours and build our lives together in. We started filling the house with a sweet, hyper puppy and a feisty but lazy cat. And of course, we can't forget my dad. He has brought so much to our home in the short time he has been here. We are very lucky to have him. Also, probably one of the most important things that happened was my reactivation in the Church. It was like a part of who I am was lost and broken. I have stared picking up the pieces and my incredible husband is there with me every step of the way.
2010 is going to have a hard time beating 2009 if you ask me, especially with a looming deployment in September. But I don't really even think about because I have my faith back and my true partner in love and life. Whatever comes our way, good or bad, I have no doubt we will be strong and happy.

More of our Thanksgiving Trip

We took the older kids to the skatepark and this is my "kid" trying to be cool like his niece. He didn't quite get to be as good as here, but we sure had fun!!!
Happy Uncle, Happy Andrew!!! Such a sweet baby!!!

Lots of family hanging around waiting for Cruz to blow out candles. It was his Birthday after Thanksgiving. His cake turned out to be pretty funny. When Manuel brought it home he wasn't as gentle as needed when carrying a cake so half of it ended up mushed! But that didn't stop us from enjoying it!!

More family hanging out!

This is Nena at her basketball game. She totally rocked and seemed to be the only one on her team that knew what she was doing. I remember playing little league basketball and oh! the memories. I don't think I was as good as Nena is, but I will never forget my experiences!

And this is Lizzy's basketball game. She also did really well. I am glad that we got to go to their games and watch them do something that we miss out on being clear across the country. We miss them so much!

Thanksgiving 2009

The Crack of Dawn on Black Friday.

Yep, I went out with my new sister and mother and hit the stores!!

This year we were able to go to Idaho for Thanksgiving and see family. We had such a great time and it was wonderful to get away from work and all the responsibilities at home. We stayed with Alex's sister and almost everyone in his whole family came there to see us. And what a great family it is!!!! We loved spending time with our nieces and nephews. They are so full of energy and life. (and I love being Aunt Sarah!) Everyone was very accepting of me and they were delighted to welcome Alex home after a two year absence. Here are some pictures to illustrate the activites that have been turned into sweet memories.Doing what we do best! Relaxing and being together!

Alex's Birthday

BIRTHDAY KISSES!!!!!!!

Can you say yum?!?!?!

I love birthdays!!! Alex turned 25 in last month and it was so much fun to make dinner and a cake for him. I actually found the recipe for his birthday cake on a blog that I was looking at a while back. It was so sweet that he couldn't even finish eating a full piece!! And that is crazy cause Alex is definately a good eater!! I also made him pork schnitzel at his request. My gradmother actually made it when he was visiting last winter and he has loved it ever since. I kind of wish we could have done a lil more, like throw a party with all of our friends, but it was just a wonderful day celebrating my best friend!! What can be better than that? Besides, we will have LOTS more birthdays to celebrate with eachother in whatever way we please!