Christmas 2013

Well, our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. is over! We survived!

I love this time of year and this year it was made even more special because we were celebrating our first Christmas as our own little family. We started some new traditions and kept lots of old ones. All of December just felt so magical.

We started a new tradition with our Elf on the Shelf Ichabod.
We got to put out our OWN Christmas decorations.
We ordered us some stockings. One for all three of us.
We traded ornaments, a new tradition we want to continue.
We went to Windcrest and looked at Christmas lights.
We spent a day in Tye with the Donaldson clan.
We went to San Marcos for a Christmas festival.
I attended the annual Mother Daughter Christmas Party.
We went to my company Christmas party for the 3rd year in a row.
We adopted a foster kid from the gift tree at church and picked out gifts for her.
We attended Christmas Eve service at church as a family (and it was beautiful!).
Dad read us a Christmas story, Bad Kitty Christmas.
We got new matching Dallas Cowboys pajamas.
For the 1st time in 26 years, I woke up in a home that wasn't my parents'.
We woke up as a family on Christmas morning.
We went through stockings and exchanged a couple gifts together to start the day.
Jesse made us Christmas breakfast, bacon & eggs.
We spent time with my family.
We ate homemade chicken fried steak.
We made Dad weepy with his gift, 2 years in a row!
We spent time with Jesse's family.
Moose got spoiled rotten with toys and a new bed.

I was so excited for Jesse to open his gift. This year, I went big! And he deserved it. And more. I missed ordering an Xbox One with a preorder but was determined to find one. On the release date, I called stores. I finally found a Target near work that had 6. When I could sneak away, I raced over. I called again on the way over to make sure they still had some and they did but others were racing over too. I got there, practically running through the store. I got to the counter and TA-DA! The guy came from the back with an Xbox One for my dear sweet husband. I felt like quite the badass! Made it to Target and back to work in 20 minutes!! So it sat under the tree most of the month. And I waited anxiously for Jesse to open it. I tried to hide it behind all the other gifts so he wouldn't be suspicious. I was so pumped for him to open it Christmas morning. He was surprised! And then Thursday when he got it out, I got the best gift. I was sitting in our bedroom while he set it up. I could hear him "ooh, cool, wow!" "Hey, I just pushed the first button!" "Come look!" He loves it and he deserves it. He was not only an amazing husband this year but just an amazing person. He is so good hearted (I hope our kids inherit that from him!). I must admit, it's kinda cool :)

And he got me a great gift! I've been eying an Origami Owl necklace for months. We have 2 catalogs haha He ordered me one and it's perfect! I have a cross, a ring, an H, a June stone for Moose, and a May heart for Jesse. I have been showing it off non-stop :)

It was an amazing first Christmas. I'm sad to see it end. But, there's a new year on the horizon and I'm pretty sure 2014 is going to be an AWESOME year for us :)

Ichabod Part Dos

Ichabod's first Christmas has come to an end! It was a such a fun little tradition to start. It's been brought to my attention that we weren't the only ones having fun :) So, here's the last half of the month for Ichabod's shenanigans!

 Ichabod played a prank on Jesse and put his underwear all around our room!

 Ichabod thought he was quite funny drawing on all of the photos in the apartment!

 Jesse thought Ichabod should babysit baby Jesus!

 Ichabod spent a day nursing a sugar hangover!

 Ichabod the artist made paper snowflakes and hung them all around the apartment!

 Bank robber Ichabod!

 Ichabod traveled to Mom and Dad's on this day. He "made" Mom a cake in honor of her new job!

Ichabod had a quiet TV day and popped some popcorn!

 Ichabod hosted a TX style snowball fight!

 Ichabod threw himself a going away party and got wild with Spin the Bottle!

 Christmas morning Jesse woke to find a goodbye letter from our little elf!

Hopefully Jesse will behave this year and Ichabod will be back next December ;)

Ichabod Part 1

Ichabod has been up to no good all month! I wanted to share his shenanigans so I'll break it up into two posts. When he's gone for the year, I'll post part 2. Here's what he's been up to:

The others weren't so sure about Ichabod!

 

Ichabod made a makeshift hot air balloon in case he needed to escape.

 

Jesse got in on the fun too on his days off! I found Ichabod riding a turtle one day!

 

Ichabod TPd the tree!

 

Gone fishin'

 

Ichabod the artist!

 

Zip lining through the living room!

 

SELFIES!

 

Candy message for Jesse!

 

Jesse's turn again... Racing with his buddies!

 

Ichabod fashioned himself a stocking and got Jesse a gift!

 

Ichabod and Monkey playing Blockus!

Say Hello to Ichabod!

I wanted to really do some fun things this holiday season since it is our first Christmas as a Mr. & Mrs. Besides decorating our own place, an ornament exchange and some other traditions, I wanted to do ELF ON THE SHELF!!!

I know, I know. It's for kids. Well we don't have kids. I have a husband... and he likes fun things, so Elf on the Shelf it is :)

So last year I purchased this Elf on sale in anticipation for this year. I have been pinning my little heart out with Elf ideas and have created a list of fun mischief for Ichabod to get into this month!

I made Jesse name him. He came up with Ichabod. We've been watching the new TV series on FOX, Sleepy Hollow, hence Ichabod. I have been dying to start doing this and in honor of December, the Elf fun has begun. I think it will make for a wonderful family tradition to tell the kids Ichabod was around before them.

Today, Ichabod made his holiday debut!! He wrapped himself up and sent himself to Jesse from the North Pole. Jesse took a little too long to get home from work so he had to bust out for some air!

Stay tuned to see what other shenanigans he partakes in!

Christmas Wreath!

So I worked on this Christmas wreath off and on throughout November. Of course it was Pinterest inspired. It was time consuming but very easy!

Supplies:
- Red Felt
- Pins
- Styrofoam Wreath
- Black ribbon
- Buckle material
- Wooden letters are optional

How to:

1. Cut lots and lots of felt circles!! I probably cut 400-600 circles. (It was later brought to my attention that you could get a similar outcome with squares)
2. Fold the circles into fourths.
3. Put a pin in the corner of the folded circle and attach it to the styrofoam wreath. This is a pretty random process and it can be as full as you want. Mine was pretty compact so it took more circles.
4. I wanted to include "Ho Ho Ho" so I purchased white wooden letters (that were fairly dirty looking so I added a coat of white paint). I hot glued those onto the wreath once I had finished adding the circles.
5. I used thick black ribbon for the belt. Just measured it to size, cut it, and hot glued the ends together.
6. For the buckle, I cut the shape out of a foam like placemat that I found at the craft store. I am not thrilled with the finished buckle product but it will do until I change it (I'm a shotty cutter when it comes to straight lines!).

To hang it, I just added a piece of ribbon to the back.

TA-DA! A Santa wreath!

Busy Busy Busy

Prepare for a a looooong post to play catch up! We've been so incredibly busy lately!

Let's see...

Jesse has been working A LOT lately. He's been putting in 58 hours a week with only Wednesdays off for the past few weeks and he'll be that busy until after the holidays. I'm sure he's exhausted all the time but he is a trooper. I miss seeing him more and my weekend errand/shopping/hanging out buddy is gone. It was so nice yesterday. When he got home, the TV never came on. We just sat and chatted until bedtime.

I miss having him to go to church with, but I've still been going!! That's pretty huge for me. I hate going anywhere alone. I'm loving this church though so I go. Hopefully in January he'll be able to start going again and we can attend their Discovery session to learn more about the church.

This past weekend, I went to Austin to meet up with some of Jesse's family. His Aunt Joan (and Uncle Curt) were in town from Nebraska. I had talked to Joan beforehand and she graciously agreed to help put our quilt together so we got together for lunch, with Cousin Dana and Nancy, to discuss it and the four of us went out to lunch! It was so nice to see everyone. We can't wait to see how the quilt turns out in a couple months!

We also celebrated Thanksgiving last week!! It was our first as a married couple and unfortunately Jesse had to work. But my family came over and my Aunt Lisa, Uncle David, and Sohpie came to town too. We hosted Thanksgiving at our place this year. I put up a few fall decorations and we cooked quite the spread. This year, I made pumpkin pie and broccoli casserole (Jesse's request). Everything was so tasty and it was so nice to spend the day together. Sophie was a hoot! She got a real kick when I told her that when things are fancy you say" Oooo La La!" She also wanted to know why there were so many pictures of us on our walls and none of her. She requested we get a canvas sized photo of her (as big as our zebra print) and put it up. There is now a photo on its way to be put in a frame but it is not quite that big haha

 

As soon as everyone left, I brought out all of our Christmas decorations and we put it all out!!! We are celebrating our first Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. and I couldn't be more excited! We put up our very own tree! We've started our own traditions. We've decided that each year we'll get one another an ornament. Jesse got me a raccoon in honor of our furry "friends" who have visited us quite frequently this year. We also took a few pictures to get Christmas cards to send out this year! We've been doing some shopping and will hopefully finish it up in the next week or two.

We've been super duper busy but having a great time. I am really loving this holiday season!!

It's so many little things

I don't remember the last time I bragged on my husband (or my marriage) so here goes!

I have been so overwhelmed with how much I truly love Jesse lately, I just want to write about it. I'm sure it will just be rambles but oh well!

Ever have a moment where you're just with someone and you think "I couldn't love this person more if I tried"? Me too. But then I do. I love him more and more and more every day. Nothing major has to happen. Nothing life changing. Just every day things. Little things. So many little things.

When he laughs at something outrageous that I say. When he takes my dirty cup to the sink just because he's heading that way. Helping my Dad or Mom. Working extra shifts and bringing in more income for our family. Covering me with a blanket. Petting Moose and then calling her Cheeseburger because she's putting on a little weight. Letting me pick what we watch. Teasing me about Tom Brady getting beat by the Panthers (yes, I admit, I'm a Tom Brady fan). Helping me get the tool box off the top shelf of the closet. Checking to make sure the steak fingers we ate weren't too crunchy for my sore, now wisdom toothless mouth. Making up little songs and singing them like he just signed a multimillion dollar contract. Telling me I'm the best cook when our meal was literally frozen chicken nuggets, mac and cheese and mashed potatoes -- just because he likes to mix it all together. The way he mixes all of his food together. My new favorite, when he makes sure to be touching me when we sleep. An arm around me, holding my hand, feet crossed. Yes, even when we're sound asleep, I fall more and more in love with him!

It's so strange to me how so many little things can make my heart so full. And I totally, 100% realize how silly I sound that such odd things make my heart skip a beat but seriously, who wouldn't love a man who takes notice that I put new fall decor in our home and says he really likes it?!

I am so incredibly blessed to have such an awesome husband and such a loving marriage. He makes me feel more loved than I ever thought possible. He makes me laugh. He makes me feel safe. He is quite literally the best friend a person could ask for.

This is the kind of marriage I hope we can sustain. I want our future children to see the love we have for one another and long for it themselves. I know we are probably going to experience rough times and we won't always get along so well but I hope that when we forget, the little things will remind us. I hope that we never lose what we have right now! Because right now, I couldn't be more in love... or could I?! ;)

Niece #3

Jason and Cathy announced today that they are expecting a girl!! We're getting another niece!

Very excited to have another little one to spoil. Still awaiting a name announcement :)

Goodbye Wisdom Teeth!

I had my wisdom teeth removed Wednesday!

I had been to the dentist back in October and they recommended I have them taken out because they were impacted and would eventually cause problems. Also, turns out, I only had three. Two top ones and a bottom left one. The lady who did my pano x-ray said she has seen up to 8!

Anyway, I had never been under anesthesia before so I was kind of nervous. Jesse took me to my appointment and they lead us back to the room. The assistant went over all of the home care with us. For whatever reason, I told her I wanted my teeth back (I'm odd, I know). When the oral surgeon came in, he started looking for veins. I had to break the news that I was a hard stick. Lucky me, the guy used to do sticks for cancer patients (who have really terrible veins due to the chemo drugs) so he got it on the first try and I hardly even felt it.

He had started me on gas to try and raise some veins. I told him I didn't think it was working because I didn't feel any different. He said it could take a few minutes but after the stick he started the anesthesia right away. He told me the first would make my pelvic area itch... and it did! Then he administered the next drug and said it would make me drowsy. All the while I'm sitting there thinking, I feel no different (other then then itching). That's about all I remember. Jesse said I informed them all the that everything in the room was spinning and then he was escorted out to the waiting room.

When I came to, I was crying. I kept asking why and the assistant just told me the anesthesia makes people very emotional. I guess I was awake enough (and upset) so they brought Jesse back. Once I composed myself, I asked to see my teeth. I was a little upset that she only handed me a baggie with two teeth. She informed me that the third had to be broken into pieces and was in the trash. I also told her I wanted to go home and see a Moose haha Jesse told her that's our cat. After I was awake enough to make it to a wheel chair, we started out to the car. As we were headed out, we passed a long line of sticker rolls. Of course I pointed them out and of course we stopped so I could pick some lol I gave them a good once over and the assistant told me what they all were. I ended up picking a teal one because "it's close to green and green is my favorite color." Then I looked again and took a second Angry Birds Christmas sticker. Classy. As I was sticker hunting, I heard Michael Buble on the radio. I mentioned it and the receptionist asked what I had said. I replied, "I love Buble! He's the only man I'd ever leave my husband for." Yes, I really did say that.

I thanked the assistant for her help getting into the car and off we went. We had to stop at HEB for my prescriptions and I insisted on going inside. I'm sure I scared a few people.

I actually do not feel too bad. I have heard horror stories but so far, I'm just pretty sore and only on one side. I've only had to take one pain killer. It's a little uncomfortable since my jaw is sore and I can't open it all the way but nothing I can't live with.

I am so thankful to have such a wonderful family. My dear sweet husband spent much of his day off at the dentist with me and then waiting on me at home. He is the best (and most handsome) nurse. My dad also offered to take me to my appointment and drive me home and take care of me despite the fact that he had chemo this week and started a new drug. My mom offered her dental expertise and has checked on me several times a day since my surgery. It is nice to have so many people to count on.

Who knew a wisdom tooth extraction story could be so lengthy, eh?

Jason & Cathy Tied the Knot!

What a weekend! My brother in law, Jason, got married! Him and Cathy tied the knot on Mt Bonnell in Austin. Everyone met on the mountain and they had a beautiful ceremony overlooking Austin. Then everyone headed over to Dave and Busters for a reception!

Of course we loved it that our out of state family flew in. We got to see Jesse's Dad and Stepmom which is always a nice (and far too rare) treat. We saw the rest of the Hanrahan clan too.

CONGRATS YOU TWO!

 

Halloween Happenings

I will sit down and blog. I will sit down and blog. I will sit down and blog.

I have been meaning to post about our end of October happenings for a week now! We just celebrated our first Halloween as a married couple :) I am really looking forward to all of the Fall and Winter holidays this year as we get to start our own traditions!

 

A couple of weekends ago, we ventured to the pumpkin patch with Mom and Dad. We picked out some good ones and carved them up!

I chose to carve a cat (in honor of our fur ball of course) and Jesse just did what he does best, make some obscure pattern lol

 

Halloween day was a little bit of a downer. For some unknown reason, everyone at work had their panties in a bunch and everyone was all bent out of shape. They wanted to do something, they didn't want to do something. This department but not that one. It was NUTS! So, when I got home, I decided to try and bring some fun back to the day. I looked up some fun food recipes (thanks Pinterest!) and headed to the store. Since I get home 3 hours before Jesse after work, I had plenty of time to surprise him. When he got home dinner was just about ready and I made him wait in the bedroom until I was finished. It was fun for me to surprise him (I so rarely pull it off without giving it away.... side note: I did sorta ask "You like deviled eggs right?" when he got home lol) and it was also fun for him to be surprised.

So for dinner we had: Mummy hot dogs, Spider deviled eggs, and Mummy pizzas :)

Let me break it down (although it's super simple!)

Mummy Hot Dogs: I just bought hotdogs and grands flaky biscuits. Wrap the hotdogs in the biscuits but not quite perfectly (like a mummy!) At the top, I left a little larger space so I could add mustard eyes after they were cooked. Just pop them in the over according to the biscuit package.
Spider Deviled Eggs: I wish I had a recipe for you but I used my Mom's and it's a lot of "squirt or this, squirt of that..." I used yolk from hard boiled eggs, mustard, sweet relish, and mayo. Mixed it all together. Then filled the eggs that I had boiled and cleaned out with the mix. I took olives and cut them in half for the spider bodies. For the legs, I just thinly sliced and diced some olives.
Mummy pizzas: I bought a pre made pizza crust, pre made sauce, pepperonis, and cheese. I cut circles out of the pizza crust. Then I slathered on some sauce to each one. I put pepperonis on next then covered them with cheese. Again, not too perfectly, wanted to get a mummy effect. Then I popped on two sliced olive pieces for eyes. Put those bad boys in the oven until the cheese melts and the crust gets just a little crispy.

I used the jars Mom and I made as a little table decor to finish off the Halloween dinner theme. It was a delicious, spooky meal and helped make the holiday!

In other news, we had ZERO trick or treaters. Zero. But Moose enjoyed the candy wrappers!