Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge - Day 7

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditionsDay 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & TricksDay 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday seasonDay 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show SpecialDay 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)Day 8: Least favorite thing about the HolidaysDay 9: Favorite Holiday recipeDay 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/CarolesDay 11: New Year ResolutionsDay 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outside)Day 13: Favorite Cookie RecipeDay 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

I wish I wish with all my might, that I had ONE single crafty bone in my body. 

With that being said, this post is a little tough because I wish I could be WAY more crafty than I am, EVER, not just at Christmas time.

So when I saw these, I started absolutely drooling, are they not BEAUTIFUL! OHEMGEE!

The seller on Etsy is ItzFitz - I just think they are beautiful!

So, can anyone help me with this? Does anyone know how to make these?

 I would love you forever and ever and ever!

PS - time to get back to 365 days in Pictures - See the "How do YOU measure a year" at the top of the page :)

The Neverending Weekend

Everyone remember that movie, The Neverending Story, with the giant flying dog and crazy mythical things that happened? I feel like that was this past week for me - minus the flying dog and creatures. Last Monday we had a half day due to the snow, we were off of work Tuesday as well, had a scheduled half day on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving and then Saturday and Sunday. I feel like I've had a 7day weekend! So, I'm sure you can imagine there has been a LOT that has happened! I just wanted to share a couple pictures of our neverending-adventures :)

Thursday was Thanksgiving and we ate some really yummy food at my mom's house :) Thanks Mom, I always love filling my belly with your Thanksgiving yummyness!

 Mom and I - pre chop

 This is my, "Hanna, we're taking some pictures today whether you like it or not"

 Mmmm, some real home cookin! 

 Bryan and the turkey candle

 Our first Thanksgiving as a married couple

The kids- Hanna, Bryan, Me, Gabby and Wes

Friday=Black Friday shopping and death of my long hair day, that got it's own blog post and pictures

We caught up on much needed sleep, including Harley even though that's all he ever does anymore!

Saturday we spent good time with family, Bryan's cousin Matt (who was the best man in our wedding) was in town on school break, we got together and played some good ol' fashion beer pong! But believe it or not we fill the cups with water and play in the living room because we are big babies and don't want to play outside in the cold! I loved this picture, Matt was telling them what was up! 

We also ate some UH-mazing green salsa verde, which I will be sharing the recipe with you later this week, if you like cilantro and jalapenos, you will LOVE this! :) PS who knew tomatillos were so yummy?!

We also had time to be silly :) My fave

But finally every adventure has to come to an end, even a neverending one... The laundry and dishes are both completely done - I don't mean to toot my own horn but, toot toot! :)

There has also been lots of hot cocoa drinking, fuzzy blanket cuddling, and quality time spending in this neverending weekend. Tomorrow morning it's back to reality, but until then I'll stay comfy in my fuzzy socks, admire the twinkle lights I put up (a little crookedly) and drink my sleepy time tea.

A BIG thank you and hugs to everyone who made this last week a memorable one!

I hope you all had just as amazing weekends/long weeks as I did! :) 

Back to the Christmas Blog Challenge tomorrow!

What is your life plan?

Last night was a great night spent with family and friends, laughing and drinking. But when the fun was over, and it was just Bryan, Christine and I, we put on Pandora and were just hanging out. 

A song came on by Brad Paisley, it's called "It Did". I'll share the lyrics at the end of this post, but it got me thinking even more about my "life plan". Recently I've been re-evaluating this life plan of mine, for the better and the worse, and I've come to a couple conclusions

This is how I thought and was planning on it to go:

1. Graduate high school

2. Get accepted to & attend college

3. Graduate college

4. Find a good paying job

5. Get married by 25

6. Buy a home

7. Have children by 30

8. Live happily ever after

This is how it's gone so far

1. Graduated high school

2. Went to college for two years and then came home because I realized I wasn't doing what made me happy

3. Was working at a job I hated that paid a lot and traded it in for a job I love that pays the bills

4. Moved in with Bryan and got engaged

5. Got married at 23

6. Living in an apartment until we can afford a house

I feel like I'll never make my dad as proud of me as he would have been if I'd graduated college, and that I might not get the best job because of that as well, but you know, even though the original plan didn't work out exactly like I'd planned, I'm happy. And even though we are not exactly where we want to be financially yet, I'm happy. And even though we don't own our own home yet, I'm happy. I married the love of my life, we have a great support system, jobs, and a place to call our own. I have to remind myself that we are still young and have time to accomplish many things in life

Things don't always work out the way you plan them, but it is all about how you adjust that "life plan" you laid out for yourself in the beginning. And that's what this song reminded me of, don't give up hope because just when you think it can't get any better, it does. At least that's what I took away from it :) Instead of looking at these changes in my life plan, I need to embrace them or I'm going to miss my life!

Artist: Brad Paisley

Song: It Did

Album: 5th Gear

A single red rose and a table for two
a nice chardonnay and an ocean view
ships coming in and stars coming out
we sat and we talked til the place closed down
then we took a long walk down on the beach
Her and that white dress and her bare feet
we stopped and we watched the light house light
I pulled her close and I held on tight
and I said to myself
it doesn’t get better than this
no it doesn’t get better than this

And it did, it did, oh it did.

Fast forward to that next spring
we were looking for a preacher
Picking out rings
Family coming in and friends coming out
To that little white church on the outskirts of town
Me in that tux fighting butterflies
Tears of joy in my mama’s eyes
Her daddy walking her down the aisle
He lifted that veil and I saw that smile
and I said to myself
it doesn’t get better than this
no it doesn’t get better than this


But it did, it did, oh it did

Just when I start thinking it's as good as it can get
This crazy life does something just to let me know
I haven’t seen anything yet

Nine months later nearly to the day
There we were flying down the interstate
Car weaving in, car weaving out
Through traffic running every red light in town
Delivery room and the doctor comes in
I’m right beside her she’s squeezing my hand
One more push and a baby cries
Sweet little angel with his mama’s eyes

And I said to myself
it doesn’t get better than this
no it doesn’t get better than this

But it did, it did, oh it did
Yes, it did

Aly and Molly Christmas Blog Challenge - Day 5

Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge :)
Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditionsDay 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & TricksDay 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday seasonDay 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show SpecialDay 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)Day 8: Least favorite thing about the HolidaysDay 9: Favorite Holiday recipeDay 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/CarolesDay 11: New Year ResolutionsDay 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outside)Day 13: Favorite Cookie RecipeDay 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience
# 5 Favorite holiday movie/TV show special

You have no idea how excited I was about this one! Because I couldn't just one, heck, I couldn't pick just ten, I had to pick twelve! Bryan pointed out to me that not everyone will consider some of these "Christmas" movies, however, my philosophy is if it's centered around/about Christmas, it's a Christmas movie in my books :)
I'll give the year it was released, the Wikipedia synopsis so you can check it out if you feel so inclined (Which I totally think you should, they are all awesome!!)

12. Prancer

Wikipedia: (1989) — Girl nurses a wounded reindeer.

11. The Santa Clause

Wikipedia: (1994) — When Santa falls off his roof, a harried ad exec is required to assume the mantle.

10. The Polar Express

Wiki: (2004) — A magical train takes a boy and other children who stop believing in Santa Claus up north to meet the man himself.

9. To Grandmother's House We Go

Wiki:(none on this movie, but Hello, its the Olsen twins, it's bound to be awesome :)

8. White Christmas

Wiki:(1954) — As in Holiday Inn, musicians bring Irving Berlin's lyrics to Vermont lodge.

7. Home Alone

Wiki: (1990) — Kevin accidentally gets left behind during Christmas break and defends his house against robbers.

6. A Christmas Story

Wiki: (1983) — All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun.

5. All I want for Christmas

Wiki: (1991) — Two kids plot to reunite their estranged parents at Christmas.

[My top four are my favorite because not only do I watch them at Christmas, but all year long]

4. The Holiday

Wiki: (2006) — Two women swap homes for the holidays and meet up with their dream men.

Me: This is such a feel good love story, with a happy ending

3. Love Actually

Wiki: (2003) — Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London.

Me: This movie is about love, loss, and going the distance for love. Oh, and Christmas = Excellent!

2. The Family Stone

Wiki: (2005) — Uptight woman wants acceptance from eccentric clan at Christmastime.

Me: Rachel McAdams and Sarah Jessica Parker are fabulous in this movie. I fall in love with the characters all over again every time I watch it!

1. Elf

Wiki: (2003) — A human, raised at the North Pole, searches for his family in New York

Me: This movie has produced some of the best one liners of a movie EVER! Not to mention it makes you feel like a kid in a grown up's body :)
"SANTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"I love smiling, smiling's my favorite"
"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loud for all to hear."

So long, long hair...

I can't believe it's only FRIDAY! Holy cow this week seems to be neverending because of the snow, then the holiday, now the weekend... sheesh! 

I'll go ahead and do an entire recap of this week when Monday comes, but until then, please see what I did today...

Please note that I've always had long blondish hair... With the exception of the few times I tried to box dye my hair, or the time I was growing my bangs out and cut my hair short too, I've always had longer, blondish hair.

My hair before/yesterday

The initial cut [I gasped] I had asked Susie to cut two inches off my hair, however, I think she had alterior motives and has wanted to cut off my hair for a long time, so when she handed me this, I felt like one of those girls on America's Next Top Model, when they get their makeovers, and they start bawling... Ok, it wasn't that bad, but I was still shocked...

During - I felt like Sandra Bullock on Miss Congeniality when she says she has so much foil in her hair she's getting HBO hahaha

The finished product - It's going to take some getting used to, but I'm glad I did it, there has literally been a weight lifted off my shoulders. I hadn't cut length off my hair since last April, when the initial shock wears off, I think I'll really like it :) Darker and shorter. Now I just hope my husband likes it too!

ps. I'm not one for change, so part of me thinks it make take a little longer than expected to get used to, just an FYI if I throw a little rant in the next couple posts. And the other part of my thinks, for Heaven's sakes it's just hair, I know, I need to just grow up and get over it! LOL

Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge - Day 4

Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge :)
Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditionsDay 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & TricksDay 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday seasonDay 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show SpecialDay 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)Day 8: Least favorite thing about the HolidaysDay 9: Favorite Holiday recipeDay 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/CarolesDay 11: New Year ResolutionsDay 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outside)Day 13: Favorite Cookie RecipeDay 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience
#4 Tips for a budget friendly holiday season

I just have three today - crazy I know, normally I can't shut up! :)

1. Decide who you are buying for. 

-Whether it be by drawing names in your family, deciding to buy presents for the kids, or by giving the gift of your time/helping hand to a friend or family member, if this is what you choose to do, make the decision and do it. All to often we get wrapped up in what this season is NOT about. It's not all about gifts and material things, and getting mad at the store clerk when their last Wii is sold out, and being greedy or Grinch-like. It's about giving, self-less love, and being with the ones that mean the most to you, even if that means you can only buy a gift for one person each.

2. Shop around

-If you do decide you have the financial means to buy gifts for everyone on your list this year, just make sure you shop around, or you will be sorry. For example, we have been comparing prices for a gift Bryan's sister wants, and the one that we originally wanted to get her is a little out of our price range, but we just scoured the black Friday ads and found one just as nice for something inside our price range. Again, it takes a little extra time and making a plan, but if you are serious about budgeting, it's worth it :)

3. Forgo presents with your spouse

-Some of you may say, "No way" - and that is completely fine and acceptable. However, in the past years Bryan and I have been tight on money around the holidays, so we've always decided to to forgo gifts for each other and focus on getting gifts for our family members instead. This year though I told him  we are getting each other gifts, even if it's something little, because I feel like this is a Christmas to remember - being our first as a married couple and all. :)

[One of my FAVORITE Christmas songs :)]


PS - Hope you all had a FABULOUS Thanksgiving! Can't wait to hear all your stories and see photos! I will be doing my Turkey Day wrap up later! :)


PSS - my blog turns 50 today :)

The Ultimate Thankful Thursday

Oh yes! The time has come to dig down deep and find out what you are ULTIMATELY thankful for :)


I feel like I can't pick just certain things to be thankful for this year. 2010 has been the best year YET in my twenty three years. So I'm going to go out on a limb, and just say if you have been in my life this year, I am over-the-moon thankful for you. You have made me a little happier (If that's even possible) and a little stronger and for that, I am grateful.


I'm sitting here in my warm cozy home, under my favorite warm fuzzy blanket, waiting for laundry and enjoying my new Scentsy smell (something to do with fun and leaves, basically it smells uh-mazing). Soon we will be up and off to visit with family and fill our bellies with yummy food! We are so lucky, and have so many things in our life that may not be exactly the way we want them, but life isn't perfect, it's only what you make it. 


I'm going to leave you with a quick list and a funny story.


I am thankful for:
Bryan - synonyms: my rock, best friend, partner in crime, other half
Family - synonyms: roots, warm fuzzy feeling givers, unconditional love
Friends - synonyms: steadfast, never failing, forgiving
Job - synonyms: amazing coworkers, compassionate physicians, daily laughs
Harley - synonyms: cuddle bug, fur baby, best birthday gift EVER
Our apartment - synonyms: home, where the <3 is, family maker


When I was growing up, my Nana (Great-grandma) made a freakin TON of pies on Thanksgiving. You think I'm joking? Please take a look.

Over TWENTY delicious pies, made with love from Nana. Well, my favorite was/still is apple pie. And literally up until recently, I thought Nana put an "A" on the apple pie for "Amanda". It ever occurred to me that she put an "A" for "Apple"......Sheesh, Amanda, Really? LOL


Blog buddies, Facebook friends, everyone that reads this tiny blog, I hope your Thanksgivings are UH-mazing, and your food comas are just as sweet as I hope mine is! 
Now, go on and eat, drink, and make some memories!


PS- Be careful not to get trampled if you are going Black Friday shopping! And I hope you find lots of treasures!

So there I was...

**WARNING - this blog may or may not contain a bit of a rant**

So there I was, driving up Highway 18 to work this morning, literally giving myself a pep talk in the car, "C'mon Amanda, you can do this. Ok, here's a dry patch in the road. Ok, that was a little scary but you recovered well. You're almost there..." etc.

Despite the mini heart attack I had when my car hit a little patch of black ice, I made it to work in one piece after not working yesterday, or half of Monday. If you didn't know, I'm TERRIFIED of driving in the snow! And if you're going to make fun of me for not knowing how, Hi, I'm from Washington state, OF COURSE I don't know how to drive in the snow! We only get it one time a year if ever!!! However, I made it, I'm safe, all thanks to my little car that could! It may be fifteen years old, but that little Toyota Camry has still got a little umph :)

I was NOT meant for this kind of weather. As I stood in our room this morning putting on my leggings under my scrubs and lightweight jacket under my heavier jacket, I started to sweat, worrying about my commute. Then I got, excuse my language Mom, pissed because I had all these layers on and I was getting HOT! But, as soon as I stepped outside I regretted those harsh feelings against my layered clothing, they kept me pretty warm in the 12degree F air temperature inside my car.

 As for the last couple days, they have been crazy! I had to leave early on Monday due to the snow and our clinic was closed all day yesterday because of it! Thank goodness I have a husband who loves me so (Or maybe he just didn't want to see me hurt myself) hahaha either way, he totally got my car ready to drive last night. This is the snow that was left over, but before this there was at least 6-7 inches piled up on it. Eeek!

Despite the termoil this white stuff has caused me and most of the rest of the pacific northwest, I have to say, it was really beautiful.

I apologize for me rant, and I pinky promise, my post tomorrow will have more of a happy attitude :) After all it is thanksgiving, I'll be giving lots of thanks :)

The Ultimate Thankful Thursday!

PS - 365 Days in Pictures - Sorry Soph, you're just too stinkin' cute! Someday these will be used as blackmail  :)

PSS - I want to send a HUGE Happy Birthday to my girlfriend Erica Werner! I love you so much and hope this year is your best yet! Love you little one!

Aly and Molly's Christmas Blog Challenge - Day 2

Day Two of Aly and Molly's

Christmas Blog Challenge

It's not to late to link up with them as well!

Day 1: Christmas/Holiday traditionsDay 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & TricksDay 3: Most meaningful gift/best gift you've receivedDay 4: Tips/Tricks to a Budget Friendly holiday seasonDay 5: Favorite Holiday Movie/TV Show SpecialDay 6: Gift ideas (what do YOU want? We all have family/friends reading our blogs...so let them know!)Day 7: Holiday Craft/DIY (If you don't make anything, what do you WISH you could make?)Day 8: Least favorite thing about the HolidaysDay 9: Favorite Holiday recipeDay 10: Favorite Christmas Songs/CarolesDay 11: New Year ResolutionsDay 12: Show us your decorations (indoor/outside)Day 13: Favorite Cookie RecipeDay 14: Oprah's Favorite Things: What item(s) would you want if you were in the audience?

# 3: Most meaningful/Best gift you've received


I really had to think about this one, because I've received a lot of really great gifts in my twenty three years of life. However, I do have to say the most meaningful gift I have ever received was the year Santa brought me a tether ball. 


Obviously if he could see me when I was sleeping and he knew when I was awake, he knew that I LOVED tether ball. I was the tether ball queen at recess in elementary school. I must have been in 3rd or 4th grade that year, I had been wondering where my Dad had disappeared to after we had opened our regular Christmas eve gifts. My mom said he was out in the garage working one something, so I just went along my way, went to sleep, and hoped that Santa brought me exactly what I wanted. 


Just recently I told my parents this part of the story, at about 4am that morning, I had woken up in the middle of the night and the anticipation was just killing me, I HAD to know what Santa had brought for me, so I crept out of bed, past my parents bedroom, and into the living room. My heart sank because I didn't see a tether ball anywhere under the tree or next to it. I peeked in my stocking and there was a piece of paper that said "Look outside". I opened the blinds and sure enough, there in our drive way was a homemade tether ball set. It was a tire with cement poured into it and a metal pole stuck in the (now dried) cement with a beautiful golden tether ball hanging from the rope. I had to contain my squeals! I ran back to bed and hopped under the covers. I remember thinking, "Wow, he IS real and he knew exactly what I wanted."


Now, until I found out the truth about Santa, I just always remembered how cool and awesome that gift was. But when my parents broke the news to me I realized that when my dad had "disappeared" after gifts that evening, he was really working at hard and building my tether ball set :) Since then I've always thought I hope that I'm that kind of parent, making my kids hopes and dreams come true like that. Even if it's just an old tire, some cement and a yellow leather ball. It was one of the very best Christmases ever and I definitely used that ball until it went to tether ball heaven!


Thanks Mom and Dad for letting me be a kid, and giving me such memorable Christmases, I'll remember them for the rest of my life. <3


PS- snOMG!! Check out 365 Days in Pictures the [How do YOU measure a year] tab at the top of the page! Stormwatch 2010 commenced yesterday here in the pacific northwest!