Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts

Sunday, January 01, 2012

Happy NEW.

2012.
woah.

I am blogging.

double woah.
I know, I am kinda blowin' your mind here.

It's all rather surreal.
well, more the 2012 part, not so much the blogging, although I know I haven't been around since June.

Poppa-son preached today at church...about the HAPPY NEW...*i know, you wanna say year...but that wasn't really it* it was more about the NEW Deal, Heart, Attitude, etc. God has given us so much and it's our time to turn around and live in this NEW-ness he has for us.

Let's be honest...2011 sucked.
No really, it did. Especially around these parts.

It wasn't so much any one thing that sucked...although there are plenty of sucky things to choose from...it was just the culmination of all things sucky that made me long for 2011 to be a distant memory, even if it was only mid-year 2011 when I was thinking it.
Yeah, I know, we still had months to go.

It's just all so crazy really. Husby and I sit here (between the living room and office) talking back and forth about how we didn't even think this far into the 2000's when we were little. I stopped planning and thinking about life in the middle of my twenties. Oops.

Thanks to Facebook, now my 2011 can be summed up in a couple of categories and main stories on it's new timeline feature.
I'll share, because I am sure you are dying to know...

In 2011, I added 51 friends to my friends list...and it doesn't tell me, but I am pretty sure I unfriended about the same amount. I guess that's some weird twisted FB logic on exactly how life works eh?

I almost lost my Husby to some maniac while he was on the job in January. It put him out of work for exactly 2 months.
It was a tough and trying time, especially for him.
But it looks as though many blessings will spring from this event, even into 2012.

I *officially* crossed over into the smartphone world with my first DROID in February.
Then went onto replace said phone 5 times.
Johnny 5, as I call him is still going strong...thankfully.

We celebrated Valentine's Day in style...homemade Chicken Pot Pies by Husby.

I finished my first full chair furniture refinishing project.
It fell apart shortly there after and no, I still haven't fixed it.

In March we finally finished the basement remodel project...with the exception of a few closet doors.
And I still don't have about 95% of the photos from the renovation, as my external hard drive crashed...and by crashed I mean, crashed to the floor, then crashed. Yeah, that happened in 2011. sucky. Can you say "goodbye 8 years worth of photos." Eeek. Still praying the tech can fix it.

I started my new job...which just happens to be my first job out of high school...back to working at the church I attend and have grown up in. Working for some people and ministries that mean the world to me.

I went to Ocean City with my VERBIES.

Husby went back to work...then got conked on the head by an ironing board at Lowe's.
Yeah, we found blessings in that too. :)

I celebrated 8 years of marriage to my best friend...delighted we made it through the 7-year-itch, but found ourselves still battling for a strong marriage in this love-confused world.
You know you have to fight for marriage right? It just doesn't come easy...it's work...very rewarding work.

Easter in my families house...blasting old-school christian music.
We know how to rock.

In May, I directed the 4th annual Murder Mystery show.

Husby, Liv and I saw Brian Reagan...so funny.

I made my first...and probably last Rainbow Layer Cake.
gorgeous, but too much work.

106 friends posted on my wall..."Happy Birthday."
I turned 30 this year. ehhhhhh.

I learned that if you say "beer can" in a british accent, you've really just said "bacon" in a jamaican accent.
Blows your mind right?

In June, I saw NKOTBSB.
Oh, yes I did.

I photographed my first aePhotography wedding.

Planted my first square foot garden.
Got one green pepper and one tomato. That's it. Ugh.

Husby and the VERBIES went to build a clean water well in El Salvador...couldn't be more proud of all of them!

In July...we planked.
Like alot.

We also took our small group to the shooting range.
Cause that's how we roll.

We also, didn't put all of our eggs into one omelette.
It was a holiday that needed to be celebrated.

I photographed my second aePhotography wedding.
And decided that as proud as I was of the job I had done...weddings aren't my thing.

In August...Maryland had an earthquake.
No joke. It was pretty big too. And it was my first. AND, it was awesome.

Went with the VERBIE Leaders to the beach for the weekend...
a cold, rainy, but awesomely fun weekend.

September was WAY low key...and I was more than ok with that.

I started as a middle school small group leader...
And I am loving it still.

In October I spent the evening with my Cousin, Husby and some of my cousin's friends from Australia touring the White House and eating yummy food in DC.

I got the flu...part 1.

In November, I went on another trip with my VERBIES...making memories in the mountains of Maryland.

Then we had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite holidays. The food this year...we simply ahhmazing...

I got a cold/flu...part 2

Then on the 25th...one of the "sucky things" happened...we lost Jeff and Jon...way too early.
This crushed us all...and it kinda felt like life stood still for about a month. For their families, I am sure it feels as if letting go of 2011 means letting go of them for good. I can't imagine, even if I wanted to, and I still pray for them daily.

December flew by...Christmas with Family was as lovely as always...

Oh and I got a bad cold...again...part 3.

This year, I shot over 49 photoshoots...I'd say that was a booming side business for me in 2011. So proud!

Even with all of that...good or bad or indifferent...I am so ready for 2012.

There is so much that I desire for 2012. I am so ready for what this year holds...and I am so not ready for another hard year, so here's to wishing, hoping and praying that 2012 holds more amazing, wonderful memories and lots and lots of love and good things

And yes, I think I am going to try and start blogging again. Who knows why...I kinda miss it.

So that was the summed up version of my 2012. Hubby and I have plans and goals for this year...I will share those once we have them nailed down. They won't so much be resolutions as goals.
Not that I am one of those people that doesn't believe in resolutions...I just know how we work...and goals work better for us. ;)

Well, I am off to spend time with family...and watch the Cowboys kick some Giants boo-tay. Thanks to Husby's new toy, the iPad2....I could travel to the parents house and continue blogging.
ain't technology grand!?!?

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Happy Balumtine'th Day!!

It's Lovey Day!!! One of my favorites...especially because of this guy...




Also, I throughly enjoy surprising Husby with his Clue Hunt...even if he didn't really like this years. :)

He had to answer questions like "What song did I dedicate to you on the radio?" and "What is my favorite movie of all time." He also had to make me a Valentine's Day craft...how cute is this? (sorry crappy cell phone picture!)


Overall he earned 45 out of a possible 60 points!!!! *cheering, clapping! His points determined his Valentine's Day goodies...

0-10 Points = A Card
11-20 Points = A new Book
21-30 = Two "Dirty Dishes" free weeks
31-40 = A week of his favorite dinners
41-50 = A Massage
51-60 = $50 towards new Clothes

He did pretty well, and only missed receiving his last present! I think he still made off pretty good though! :)

OH!!! He did great for me too...well...I took the day off and we spent it together. I got lunch at one of my favorites...Fuddruckers. (Oh yeah, I am that simple.) Then we hung out and did some other stuff then headed home. I was promised a homemade dinner of my choosing. I chose Homemade Pizza, but then we had pizza the night before, so that changed things. About two months ago I came across a yummy recipe from Martha Stewart Living for Homemade Chicken Pot Pies...BINGO. So he had his meal,  his shopping list and got to work!! Here are some pictures from the evening...

One of my favorites from the evening... watching Husby cut up raw chicken. His face is priceless. He has the same face when washing dirty dishes! ha!


Here's  Husby creating the oh-so-yummy sauce.


Wahhhh-laaa...all prepared and ready to pop into the oven...


And look at that deliciousness!!!! It was so yummy. Husby did an amazing job!


Thanks babe for another great Valentine's Day...I couldn't ask for a better Valentine! :)

Monday, February 07, 2011

Valentine's Day Crafts - Felt Heart Door Hanger

Here's a great little Valentine's Day project...we completed it at our Church's Chicks in Aprons class...and had a great time!


Here's what you'll need:
elt (any color) 10-12 sheets
Ribbon (to hang your decor)
Straight Pins/Dress Pins (250+)
Heart Shaped Styrofoam Heart (I know Hobby Lobby carries them)
Scissors
Your supplies should total around $14-16
Now, here's the HOW-TO
So I am gonna do a quick run down of the fastest way to cut out your circles, cause you are going to need A LOT of them!! First you want to cut your felt sheet in half...


Then cut it in half again...


Then cut them in half...


You still with me? Now you should have about an inch to an inch and a half wide stripe that is 8 inches long. (estimated) Now you need to zig zag fold them...like this...


Now, cut off the corners forming a circle. You can cut a complete circle out if you want, whatever works for you. And no, your circles do not have to be perfect...


Now...grab your pins and your heart...it's time to start assembling this baby...
Take one circle and fold it in half...


Then in half again...till you have this little felty bundle...



Stick one pin through the point of your felt circle bundle and push it into your styrofoam heart...


Pack them as tight or as loose as you desire...and keep folding, sticking and pushing...


 No really, keep going...


And before long, you'll be DONE!!
It helps to have a little cutie-pah-tootie nearby to help show off the final result...and it's even better if she exclaims "oh I loooveee ittt aweeee" and gives it a hug. *adorable!*


Then you are complete. The adding the ribbon is pretty self-explainatory...I assume. Just cut the ribbon to desired length and stick it to the back of your heart with more pins.
*Note, your pointer and thumb finger will more than likely be numb at the tip by the end of this...but no one ever said crafting isn't hard work!!!*
Here's my finished product!


What kind of cutesy-heartsy things are you making for Lovey Day this year?

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Valentine's Day Crafts - Part 2

Here's another great, and super cute little Valentine's Day craft. My amazingly wonderful Mother knew I was looking for an old Scrabble game and picked one up for me at Goodwill...cause she is super amazing at that!

She got me some great white shelves here.
She helped me find some great stuff for a project here.
She found me this beauty, that I still have big plans for here.
She found me this amazing rug here.
She even finds me stuff on the side of the road, here.

So anyways, like I said...she's pretty much amazing!

So finally, I sat down to crank out a great little project...original idea found at 320 Sycamore.

I picked up a cute little metal heart frame at Target, on clearance...get HOLLA...for $3.98 (regularly $4.99) Then I picked out some sweet heart paper from my mounds of scrapbook paper collecting dust downstairs in the new pantry, the same pantry who's door never seems to stay closed when the Husby and friends work on the basement...arggg! :P

Anywhoodle, that's besides the point.

So I have my paper and my frame. I cut the paper down to the right size...


...I  made sure it looked cute...check!


I picked out the "L, O, V, E, Y, U" letters from the Scrabble game and added some tacky glue to the back...placing them  in order...

                                                                                     Y
                                               L O V E
                                                   U



I sat it in it's rightful place and snapped a few pictures...


I just love it!


So for under $6.00, I have a super cute frame for Valentine's Day...and enough leftover for another fun little project.

You may be asking...So what do you plan to do with the other Scrabble pieces? And, I did have a plan...

Don't mind the background mess in the picture, like I said...I was busy as a bee working on some projects!


I took some old fridge magnets that we never pay any attention to and I cut them up into little squares...then I attached them to the back of the Scrabble pieces with some tacky glue. Let them sit for about 15 minutes and there ya have it...



Some great fridge letters, perfect for an ongoing game of Scrabble, or just some cute little love notes to each other!



I think it was the perfect way to use the leftovers...I even got a "cute babe" response from Husby! :) score.



Great little projecst like this, just make me giddy!!

Valentine's Day Crafts - Part 1

Valentine's Day is 20 days away; and it is a favorite in our house! So this year I just knew I had to whip up some fun Heart Day goodies.

I headed out to Target and picked up some cute Valentine's Day plates and a bowl to match. Then I hopped into JoAnn's to pick up a dowel and some Gorilla Glue.


When I got home, I laid out some paper on the table, snatched up some white paint (just the $.89 kind from any craft store) and painted my dowels that I had Husby help me cut down.


After two coats and letting them dry, I followed the directions with the Gorilla Glue and started attaching my dowels to the plates. This...turned into an ordeal. They most certainly did not want to stick. One dowel in fact fell at least 4 times. Arrrgggg. Just as I was beginning to get frustrated they stuck.


I have to admit though this process took about 2 hours, then right before bed we attached the top tier (the bowl) and went to bed. It fell once, it was fixed and then I went to bed again. Grrrrr.


But...when I got up this morning I met my new sweet little dessert tiered-tray.

I loved it! I can't wait to bake some yummy "low point" goodies for small group next week and share them on my new tray!


Yeah, I know you see it too...the gunk...more on that in a sec...

I must point out one thing. This was the first time that I had used Gorilla Glue. Everyone raves about it and even after the minor topples of last night it seems to have the strength to really hold, however I am not pleased with the foamy hard gunk that I am left with. I'm not sure if that means that I used too much...but I just know that I will have to try and get some of that off.


Isn't it just the cutest! And I saved on making my own! You see Target does sell it's own tray using some of these plates...but it was $9.99 and I just knew that I could make it cheaper. And I did.


Here's the cost breakdown: I got many of these on clearance...whoo hoo! How lucky!? I'm not counting the cost of the Gorilla Glue (which was $5.99, $3.59 with a 40% off coupon, which I used!!), it will lend me a hand in many projects to come.

At Target:
Pink Heart Bowl $1.50 (regularly $2.49)
Red Dot Plate $1.25 (regularly $1.79)
White Heart Plate $1.25 ($1.99)

At JoAnn's Crafts:
Wooden Dowel $.89
Total $4.89

Good enough for a quick little cute project! And I figure you can do this little project for any Holiday! Target always has the cutest holiday plates available! I will however be looking for something cuter to go in place of the wooden dowels.

I know many other people/bloggers have done something similar, so I knew I just needed to try it too! So what do you think of the little project?

Keep your eye out...more to come!

Monday, January 03, 2011

I'm going to be cliche...

I'm makin' resolutions...

SHIZAM.

yep...a list of goals...not so much resolutions...albeit it is that time of year and the definition of resolution means:
Aformal expression of opinion or intention made, usually after voting, by a formal organization, a legislature, a club, or other group.

A resolve or determination: to make a firm resolution to do something.
The act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
The mental state or quality of being resolved or resolute; firmness of purpose.
The act or process of resolving or separating into constituent or elementary parts.

A solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc.
So take your pick, I am doing it...and here are some of my goals:
  • Join Weight Watchers again?
  • Start a friendly weight loss competition with some friends...we all need to have our butts kicked right ladies?
  • Exercising. blechhh.
  • Start couponing, but not all super crazy-like
  • Finish the decor in the Master Bedroom
  • Read my B.I.B.L.E. more.
  • Read more period
  • Get at least $500 into savings.
  • Go to bed earlier.
  • Wake up earlier.
  • Eat breakfast...everyday.
  • Come Springtime...hit my Photography business hard!
  • Get knocked up. :) 
  • Get crafty-er
  • Sew more 
    Gosh,I have more...but I won't bore you with all the details...

    ...and no it has nothing to do with the fact that if I fail, no one but me will know because you didn't even know I had it as a resolution...

    CHEESE. :D

    So...while we are at it...let's see how I am doing on my other list...



    1. Finish all drywalling in the basement. *Getting closer...ceilings are done (except for laundry room) and Craft Studio is nearly complete!!
    2. Recover a chair. *heehee, need to finish painting...but it's been too cold!
    3. Complete our Master Bedroom. (Paint, Furniture & Decor) 
    4. Sew a dress for myself.
    5. Make Sushi from scratch. *It's on the calendar...January 28th. If I have talked to you about coming over when I do it...save that date! :)
    6. Get pregnant.
    7. Pay off Credit Cards. *Here's hoping that taxes will help in this department.
    8. Print out photobooks of my favorite photos. *design is done, now adding photos!
    9. Have a Family Photo taken. Husby and I...and us with the Pups. *riiiggghhhttt
    10. Grow vegetables.
    11. Learn how to use my DSLR in manual mode. 
    12. Start journaling.
    13. Lose 20+ pounds. *Well, I had lost 12, then gained 5, then lost a few more...so I can't really remember where I am...but hoping to start WW again here soon!
    14. Make new curtains for my kitchen. *Fabric purchased!
    15. Successfully launch my Photography business...aePhotography.
    16. Grow out my hair.
    17. Bake my own bread.
    18. Surprise Husby at least once a month with something fun. August,September, October, November, December
    19. Create our "Family Story" wall. *Gotta make the shelves
    20. Organize and add shelving to our Master Bedroom Closet.
    21. Hit 35,000 visitors on our Blog. *Getting so close...almost at 32,657!!
    22. Successfully keep an Orchid for more than 30 days.
    23. Have a successful Yard Sale.
    24. Paint a picture.
    25. Slow dance with Husby.
    26. Go to a show on Broadway.
    27. Hold a puppy.
    28. Make a necklace.
    29. Grow Peonies.
    30. Get Husby to dress up for Halloween. *Well...we didn't get this one done :(
    ehhhhhh that's pretty bad.

    Yeah, so I am NO where near CLOSE to being done...but here's to 2011 and kicking my BUTT into gear!!

    Thursday, December 30, 2010

    Christmas Card heroes.

    I probably already have, but let me introduce you to one of my FAV photog blogs that I follow...Bobbi and Mike.

    They are not officially my Christmas Card heroes.

    Check out their cards from years past...

    2007






    2008



    and 2009





    Well for this years card, they went the awkward family photo route...and boy did it pay off! If you haven't been to or heard of that site...you are missing. Stop reading and go now...it will make the following photos that much more...high-larious!

    Go now...! I'll wait....
      
    .....

    You back?

    Ok...check it...this is SO great!!





    Seriously, I nearly peed my pants. You need to go check out their blog and see all the photos larger...it's SO worth it.

    So...warning to Husby...next year...it's SO ON...our Christmas Card needs to be THIS epic.

    And to those of you still waiting on your Christmas card from us...giggle, shuffling feet, giggle...well my hospital stay got in the way, then I was over it, then I remember that free cards shouldn't be wasted, then I decided to compile the cards together with a whamo-bamo-New-Years card and waaahhhllaaa. So you can expect to see it soon-ish with some wonderful New Years love thrown in for good measure :)

    And remember...when you are planning your next Christmas photo...find the biggest wreath you can, stand behind it and S M I L E...

    Monday, December 13, 2010

    Shutterfly - 2010 Christmas Card

    So...this is what we decided on for our Christmas Card this year from Shutterfly...it seems as though I may be ruining some sort of Christmas surprise by letting some of my friends see the card before they receive it in the mail...but I like the idea of $25 off my next order by sharing...so here it is! :)

    And for those of you who won't be receiving it in the mail...close your eyes and pretend you just opened up this lovely Holiday mail from US! :)

    Merry Christmas!


    Christmas Letter Christmas Card
    View the entire collection of cards.

    Monday, December 06, 2010

    Christmas dogs

    I spent about an hour of the afternoon yesterday wrapping presents...which I love to do. See...my Christmas-ey happy face...


    The dogs were hoovering around...they knew I was wrapping gifts for them! Olive actually noticed them still in the bags and was sniffing and wagging her tail like a crazy pup!

    Then she perched up on a chair to watch me wrap them...


    She's such a cutie...I can't even stand it some days!

    Husby was home yesterday evening a little under the weather and he said that she somehow managed to get into one of her presents and rip the end open. haha! Dad caught her in the act and moved all the puppy presents up high so they couldn't reach them till Christmas Eve...which is when we open presents. Then the rest of the night Olive excitedly jumped around the tree and sat and stared at the presents just begging us to "please let me open just ONE!" haha!

    No such luck sweetheart...you have 19 days...just like Mom and Dad! :)
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