This Holiday Season

I haven't been the best at posting lately. It has been so busy with various holiday parties and many other things that the time seems to just get away from me!
Here is a rapid catch up of my holiday happenings!

 My sisters and our husbands did the Gobble Gallop on Thanksgiving morning. 

 Although it was freezing and I was/am totally out of shape and hadn't run for months...it was a good way 

start of the day of overindulgence. 

 I'm not typically a huge meat fan - but this turkey was out.of.control GOOD. 

 I can't get enough of my sweet new niece Elayne...hubs obviously can't either!

She is the life of the party (at least her older cousin thinks so - well everyone thinks so). 

 My favorite part of Thanksgiving is that it marks the time when it is appropriate to turn on the Christmas music and decorate the house. It was especially fun getting to decorate our new house this year. It was also fun to get to finally put up the trees we bought last year at the end of the season (after a longggg debate with hubby he finally conceded and allowed us to get get fake trees instead of the trouble-making real ones!)

 Although I'm already dreading taking down these trees in a few weeks it was so fun decorating with the fire blazing and music blaring. 

 Another one of my favorite parts of the holiday season...getting to dress these sweet pups in their Santa and Mrs. Claus outfits. This is still one of my favorite Christmas finds! It hasn't been cold enough for them to wear them often...but we at least got one night out of them so far and just enough time for a photo op. 

 Being tempted by treats. 

 Again, we haven't been able to have too many fires because it has been too warm - I'm thinking winter is finally making it's way to us though so here's to many more this season!

 Hubby went to a Pacer's game a few weeks ago and took that time to walk around the circle downtown and enjoy the lights and some South Bend Chocolate Company treats (ice cream for hubs and chocolate covered strawberries for me).

 LOVE him!

SO handsome...and not just because I'm his wife!

Tragedy

My heart has continued to break over the 27 adults and children that were killed this past Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. My heart especially breaks because 20 sweet and innocent 6/7 year old's were taken from this earth so quickly, after what was probably the most terrifying moments of their little lives. My heart also especially breaks for the school staff who gave up their lives protecting and attempting to protect all of these little children. There are no answers to why and how this happened. I, like many, continue to crave answers. I continue to watch the news, reporting the same things over and over again, because I am seeking some kind of understanding of this horrific event. When, the reality is we will probably never understand how this tragedy could have taken place. We might eventually get some insight into the killer's life and his actions but I doubt we will ever understand because there is no understanding great enough for such a tragedy. It is a heart wrenching tragedy that has broken the hearts of millions across the world. 

This is not a time for political agenda, this is not a time to promote our own agenda, but this is a time to grieve for the lives that were lost and for the families that were left behind. It is a time for prayer for healing, peace, and comfort. While I am grieving for these babies that were taken, I know that today they are in heaven. All 20 of them are surrounding Jesus and their pain has been taken away. Just as Jesus invited the little children in Matthew 19:14 to come to Him He continues to invite them to sit on his lap and spend time with him. Although this doesn't take away the questions and the heartbreak, it is a small token of comfort in such an otherwise heartbreaking time. 

People Magazine did an excellent tribute to all of the victims, entitled TRAGEDY: The Connecticut School Shooting. In this article People remembered the names and faces of the 27 adults and children that were killed on December 14, 2012. I, for one, never want to forget the lives that were lost on this day! 

Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow

Yesterday I posted briefly about making some Holiday heaven. This was the first time that I made Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow, compliments of Pinterest. It did not disappoint! Who doesn't love puppy chow in the first place...adding a holiday twist just made it all the better!

Peppermint Crunch Puppy Chow
makes 5 cups (I doubled my recipe which ended up using the entire box of Chex Mix, equally around 11 cups).

• 5 cups Rice Chex cereal
• 10 ounces vanilla flavored Almond Bark
• 1 cup crushed candy canes
• 1 cup powdered sugar

- Pour 5 cups of Chex Cereal into a large bowl.
- Melt almond bark according to the package directions. (I do this by first melting some of the chocolate in the microwave. Then, I pour it into a double broiler, not a real double broiler but two pans which fit nicely inside the other).
- Pour melted chocolate over cereal, stirring and folding until the cereal is completely covered.
- Fold in the crushed candy canes
- In a large zipped top bag or covered container, add the powdered sugar. Pour the chocolate covered cereal/candy canes into the large bag or container. Seal the bag or container and shake until all the cereal is coated with the powdered mixture.
- Discard excess powder and enjoy!

Enjoy!

This Season.

Do you ever days where you just feel plain old sorry for yourself? Well I do, and I have been having those days a lot more frequently lately. I have been so blessed, don't get me wrong. And I am so thank for all of the things in my life...but sometimes in the quiet when I am by myself there are things that I acknowledge aren't perfect. Things that I compare to the lives of others. Things that I just don't understand. And things that just make me feel sorry for myself. Even in the light of the horrific acts from yesterday it is so easy to look at these things and remember that when it comes to the bigger picture, we really have nothing to complain about. However, saying those things and forgetting about what is really on your mind is easier said than done.

So, during this season (which is my favorite season by the way), I am trying to find joy in the things in life that I can control. The things that I don't understand will not be going away anytime soon so I have to make a diligent effort each day to push those things aside and be joyous about all that I do have.

Enough about the authentic stuff...yesterday I spent several hours making Christmas goodies! Part of this was to go in a gift bag for my staff at work, the other part was for me and hubby and everyone else who comes in our house to enjoy. There is so much more I still have to make but I think this was a pretty good start!

 Chocolate covered pretzels!

 Peppermint crunch puppy chow.

Chocolate covered Oreos. 

Thankful Days 29 & 30

Although it is already December I thought I should at least go back and finish my month of thankfulness! Better late than never...

DAY 29 I'm thankful that in my past I made mistakes and learned from them. Although some might want to wish those mistakes away, I am not one of those people. Those mistakes that I made (and some that I made and then remade, etc, etc) have made up who I am today. There were some mistakes that were just like feathers floating in the wind...but there were many others who didn't just happen, but instead they happened, I felt pain from them, and then I look some important life lessons from them that will stay with me for the rest of my life. My past mistakes have often times helped me be a better friend, a better wife, and a better social worker. But these mistakes have only taken a positive turn because I have chosen to learn from them and change from them and become a better me because of them!


DAY 30 I'm thankful for the chance that I get each and every day to wake up and live a life full of expectations and security. My job has taught me so many things; however one of the main things is a reminder each day to be thankful for where I live and the life that I have. I am so very thankful that each day I get to wake up next to my husband in our warm bed, in our nice house, and drive cars that work to our secure job where we make money to buy food that is both life sustaining and good, I then get to come home again to my nice house, with our comfy furniture, and watch tv or read or do whatever our little hearts desire. There are millions of people who don't even get to do one of those things I mentioned above let alone all of them. So, at the end of this month of being thankful I hope that I can continue each day being thankful for the life I have been given in one of the greatest countries in the world.

Thankful Day 28

DAY 28 I'm thankful that others are gracious and thoughtful. Although this doesn't include everyone I come into contact with but I have been trying to pay more attention lately to those who are kind and willing to help others as often as they can. I know so many people, in my social circles, at work, my family, etc. that always go the extra mile for people. These are people who would drop what they are doing to help someone else or who would add extra to their already full plate to lend a hand. I think that so often we (myself included) focus so much on the negative attitudes of others that we forget to focus on the good that goes on around us. I am thankful for those who are emerged in my life and that show love each day just as I am thankful to those who brush my life so quickly that they only leave a short feeling of thankfulness and gratitude. So today I am thankful for the gift of others who are willing to help without complaints and thoughtful beyond measure! 

Thankful Day 27

DAY 27 I'm thankful that there are white chocolate covered Oreos at the holiday time! While part of me wishes they were available throughout the entire year, the other part of me is thankful they are not because I would blow up like a balloon from eating them so often. They are seriously the best thing I have ever eaten. To say I am obsessed might be understatement. Two weeks ago after a hard day I came home to hubs surprising me with our first box of the season! He went into the store for flowers and instead came out with these (and while I am a flower-loving girl this gift was even more appreciated!). They are heaven in your mouth and if you haven't tried them...you must do it. as soon as possible. today. My mouth is already watering thinking about eating one when I get home later. Do I have a problem? Maybe. 

Thankful Days 21 & 22

DAY 21 I'm thankful for a giving husband! Yesterday was my birthday and Coy did a great job of making me feel special throughout the day. From the moment I woke up, to sweet text messages throughout the day wishing me a good birthday, to a perfect dinner at Maggiano's, and finally to my gifts...he was and is the best! I'm also thankful for friends and family who showered with my love through phone calls, text messages, cards, and Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram greetings! It was a good day and I look forward to see where year 29 is going to take me!

I decided to work ahead and go ahead and complete for Thanksgiving Day...because as everyone knows...I will be too busy stuffing my face and being with family to get on here! 

DAY 22 I'm thankful that this Thanksgiving will be warm! The forecast for Thanksgiving Day is currently looking to be in the 60's...which is music to my ears. Especially because my family and I are walking running a 5k. Every time I participate in a 5k I hate my life afterwards...but they are also always a good time! (However, I'm not sure who came up with the idea that it is smart to pay money to run - in light of the fact I hate running!) So, I am thankful that I have the ability to use my legs and that I won't be shivering as I do it! 

Thankful Day 20 (and my birthday)

DAY 20, I'm thankful that I was given the gift of an amazing honeymoon. I have been so thankful lately for my life, for my friends, my family...and especially my husband! I am not only thankful for his amazing-ness but also the great memories we have together! I am also thankful for our mutual love for the beach! It certainly made choosing our honeymoon spot that much easier! We knew all along we wanted to go somewhere tropical, we just weren't sure where. Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and the Virgin Islands were all on our radar...however, one fluke evening while researching a trip to Aruba just kind of fell into our laps! We were blessed to be able to take a 10 day honeymoon, which was such a great decision. It was an amazing week of beautiful scenery, beautiful beaches, amazing food, and many adventures! We will both forever look back to our honeymoon and be so grateful that we choose the place that we did! 

 The view from our resort!

 We rented a jeep one day and drove around the island! 

 It was an adventure getting down to this location - but was well worth it in the end!

 Going to this restaurant (The Flying Fishbone)was by far the best

choice we made all week! It was delicious AND as an added bonus we got to sit and eat

dinner with our feet, and table, in the water while we watched the sun set!

 If you ever go to Aruba this is MUST!

 We watched the sunset everynight!

 We went on a snorkeling excursion complete with lunch and a rope swing into the ocean. 

There was an awesome little area across from our resort where we ate, got dessert, shopped, etc! So much fun! 

My best advice I can give to anyone getting married is to go all out for your honeymoon! It is the one time you can spend all that money and not feel guilty about it! 

Thankful Day 19

DAY 19 I'm thankful that today is almost over : )

I had an amazing weekend, followed by a great night at home catching up with my hubs after being apart...only to be followed by a C-R-A-Z-Y Monday. 

Monday's are always a little hectic around here but today was especially stressful. Reports being late, people calling in sick left and right, eviction notices for clients, the list goes on and on. The good news about today however was that they we had employee appreciate luncheon today at work which consisted of an amazing spread of pre-Thanksgiving festive food! It was beyond delicious. 

That being said...that has been the only highlight and calm moments of my day. 

So ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and all of the holiday goodness that will be over the next month!

Thankful Days 16-18

Since I am going to be out of town this weekend I thought I would post a little ahead of schedule, knowing full well that the changes of blogging while I am aware are below slim to none.


DAY 16 I'm thankful for weekends away and a husband that allows me to have girl time! This weekend I am headed down to Nashville to spend time with one of my best friends and meet her new, precious baby girl and I couldn't be more excited! I don't care who you are or what kind of amazing relationship you have with your husband...girl friends and time with girl friends is essential. I always hate being away from Coy, but am so thankful that he allows me to spend time with friends on a regular basis. He encourages me to go on girls trips, girls weekends, girls nights out, etc. etc. I can't imagine feeling guilty every time I step out the door to spend time with my friends...luckily I don't have to imagine it because my hubs is so generous and also values his time with friends and his time alone at home. Luckily I also have great friends that I love to spend weekends with, friends that when we are together it feels like we haven't spent any time a part. I am blessed!


DAY 17 I'm thankful for the nights that Coy and I spend at home, in our sweat pants, with a fire lit! This past week we actually had our first fire in our new house! When looking for a house one of hubs top amenities was a wood-burning fireplace. We had one in our previous home and took full advantage of it! Some people might think they are too much work (and I would think this too if I was the one building and maintaining them - but fortunately I am not) but hubs loves building a fire! And I love that he loves to build one because then I get to enjoy these fires all winter long! There is just something so comforting about sitting in front of a lit fireplace...it doesn't matter what you are in front of it - watching tv, playing a game, reading, other things inappropriate to mention : ), it brings such a great sense of relaxation and peace!


DAY 18 I'm thankful that my family loves one another and considers each other our best friends. Growing up my parents always encouraged and expected quality time and communication with one another. Of course I grew up having huge-blown out fights with both of my sisters at one time or another, but we always made up and we never allowed these fights to cloud the love that we had for one another. I am thankful for a family that loves unconditionally, a family that values one another, and a family that doesn't spend time together out of obligation but truly enjoys and seeks time with each other! I am thankful that my sisters and my parents are some of the best friends I could have ever asked for!

Thank Day 15

DAY 15 I'm thankful that this Christmas falls on a weekday. For some reason I feel a little cheated when it is on a Saturday or Sunday. Maybe this is because it feels more official getting a day off work on the actual day. Maybe because it typically helps to extend the Christmas break. Whatever the reason, I am glad Christmas is on a Tuesday. This Christmas I am also thankful (as I have been the past 3 years) that my agency gives us over a week off for the Christmas holiday. This is a week off without using any PTO, etc. It is our Christmas gift each year, which is essentially like free money being placed in our pockets!

On a side note I am so excited that the holiday season is finally here! I can't wait to be able to pull out our Christmas trees and decorate them in our new home! I finally broke hubs down and convinced him to allow 'fake' trees in our home instead of the real-alive thing. Hallelujah! We can scratch at least one typical holiday disagreement off of our list! : )

Thankful Day 14

DAY 14 I'm thankful for the love of Coy.

Every idea I had of love growing up and moving through high school and college

and adventures post college was nothing compared to the love that I actually know now. The love that I 

have Coy and the love that he gives me in return is far greater than anything I could have imagined in the years before him. Love isn't perfect and we don't always love each other perfectly...but everyday, not matter what has happened throughout the day, no matter how bad or good out circumstances have been, I am always thankful that I have Coy's love. And I'm thankful that he has mine. 

So today I am not only thankful for Coy but I am especially thankful for 

the love that we share with one another. 

Thankful Day 13

DAY 13 I'm thankful for my nieces and nephews. They truly do light up my world. One of the greatest things in life is being an aunt. It's all of the smiling and laughs without all of the discipline and worry. I have watched these precious things grow up from birth...one 10 years old now and the youngest just a few weeks old and I have loved every second of it! I'm not just saying this because you might think I'm biased, but the reality is that I have the best nieces and nephews in the history of life! 

Thankful Day 12

DAY 12 I'm thankful that I know the value of honesty. Even growing up I was never one to lie to my parents. Sure, there were many times that I would omit things and maybe stretch the truth a little ("What time did you get home last night?" "Uh 2 o'clock  midnight.") But I honestly say that I only blatantly lied to my parents once...and an hour went back and confessed so I'm not even sure that counts. I carry this high esteem for honesty with me in all areas of life, whether it's work. home, friendships, etc. Honesty is always the best policy. 

Thankful Day 11

DAY 11, I'm thankful for my dogs. Some might even say I am obsessed with them. But the reality is...I am and I am okay with it. I love these little dogs. I am thankful for their loyal companionship and their company. Murphy and Sophie love being with me, even in my worst moods, even when I have been mean to Coy, even when I am mad at them, and even when other people don't want to be around me. They are faithful and I love them both!

Thankful Day 10 (and new home rennovations!)

DAY 10 I'm thankful for being a homeowner! Hubs and I worked so hard and so long to become home owners. We waivered back and forth on what part of town we wanted to live in, what type of house we wanted, we waivered on building versus buying (and even actually signed a contract to build - which we later pulled out of), the list goes on and on. However, in the end all of the waiting and hard decisions finally paid off! We spent months looking at houses on the internet, driving by them, and even saw a few. However, on our first day out with our amazing realtor (seriously...if you are ever looking to buy or sell you need to use her!!) we found the one! It was the last house that we went to see for the day and it was one we were not even sold on but Jan (the amazing realtor mentioned above) suggested to just see and give it a try so we did. We left both thinking 'yeah, we would probably make an offer on that house.' Come to find out the house already had a pending offer but the sellers were not entirely certain they wanted to accept because it was a contigent offer. The house had multiple showings scheduled the next day and there was a bit of urgency in needing to get our offer. Long story short, we made an offer Sunday afternoon, Sunday evening around 8 we heard back that the sellers had decided to drop the previous offer (which ended up being much stronger than ours) and counter our offer. We countered back around 8:30 and at 9:15 received a call that they had accepted our offer. It was such a crazy, fast experience and one that only God could have orchaestrated. My prayer through the whole process was clarity from God that whatever house we ended up we would know without a shadow of a doubt that it was the house God wanted it is. The amazing time with which everything happened was only God! It was so smooth from beginning to end and we so happy to finally have a place of our own!
We closed on a Friday, got posession on Monday evening and started our rennovations that night! It was a crazy busy week but work all of the work that we put into it! We painted, ripped out kitchen backsplash, had the kitchen re-drywalled, got new appliances, and updated other things in the home! It was a week of hard work but it has all paid off and we are finally settled in! Here is some of the work we have done and some other pictures just because!

 Living room before.

 Living room after - painted.

 Dining room before.

 Dining room after - painted.

 Family room before.

 Living room after - painted, replaced knobs on cabinets.

 Kitchen before.

 Kitchen after - painted, replaced dishwasher, microwave, and stove.

 Guest room one before.

 Guest room one after.

 Master bedroom before.

 Master bedroom after.

 Guest bedroom before.

 Guest bedroom after - painted.

 Guest room two after.

 Living/dining room before.

 Living/dining room after.

Our favorite part - the backyard!