Saturday, December 31, 2011

Best of 2011

Here is my list of the BEST things that took place in 2011

 Took Owyn sledding

Went to Denver 

 Graduated with two BAs

Got a fantastic job
Finally tied the knot, and had the most beautiful wedding. EVER.  

Went on an AMAZING honeymoon 

So many great things happened this year. It's crazy how fast time flies by.
This year we will meet new challenges, receive new joys, and grow as a family and as individuals. 
I'm so excited!

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Christmas

This Christmas has been one of the funnest yet, now that Owyn can appreciate the gifts. 
Following tradition, on Christmas Eve we went to see Temple lights and drove around the nearby neighborhoods admiring the bright colors, giant blown up snow globs and lit up reindeer. Then we came home, lit a fire, and got to open one gift each. Owyn opened a book and after I saw how happy he was I thought, shoot, lets just take all these gifts back, he's happy with his book!

I've been really sick this past two week, and I worked so much the week leading up to Christmas that it hit me hard once Christmas came. So, I didn't get to do all of the things I wanted to, like make Christmas breakfast. Good news is, I finally got myself out of bed and into the doctor for meds, and now I'm getting better. That's how bad it was. I couldn't get out of bed. I didn't shower for 4 days straight. Gross. 

We also had some losses in our family this past week. My great Aunt passed, who was an incredible woman who could fill the emptiest hearts with joy in an instant with her laugh. We also had to put down our beloved Sparky who has been our family dog for 12 years. Anyone who has had that dog who you don't consider a dog, you consider them a family member, knows the pain that comes with losing them. The pain that makes you never want to have another dog again, just so you don't have to go through it again. My heart goes out to my mom because these loses have impacted her more than any of us kids. Aunt Evie was her favorite aunt and went out to Iowa any chance she had to see her and Sparky was her dog. Sparky followed her everywhere for years and years. But I am happy to know they are free of their aching bodies.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas. 
God is good. We should thank him everyday for his Grace.

Friday, December 23, 2011

Nutcracker


Last weekend we went to see the Nutcracker by the Arizona Ballet. 
I can't even tell you how many years I've gone, it's sort a tradition.I love dressing up and seeing all of the fancy ladies with their furs. Thank goodness Dave enjoys the ballet as well! This year it was the hubs and I and we also brought along Laura (my mother-in-law) because she does so much for us and we wanted to treat her. Laura watches Owyn for us when I work and when I was in school and if it wasn't for her, our lives would be a lot more difficult.

After the ballet we went to LGO, which as always, was absolutely delish.

We are getting ready for our Christmas weekend! 
I have a feeling this will be one of the best! 
 Owyn is so excited for Santa to come and he has a BIG surprise come Christmas morning.. 
we have a very special present planned for him!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

boat parade


My sis and I took the kiddos to see the Boat Parade at Tempe Town Lake last weekend. 
It was awesome and insanely busy.
 I can't believe how many people were there, I also can't believe Ive never gone before.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

haps


I feel impulsed to share the current "notable" happenings around here
so, here it goes
dave and I went to the Iron and Wine concert! 

the Grand-dude (my dad) was briefly in town

today, Dave told me that he got me an "unexpected xmas gift" that is apparently almost as good as a puppy pug. im guessing it's a summer beach house?

we finally got  owyn off of the pacifiers. yipee!
at one point I turned to Dave and said,
"man, I hope we never have to do a drug intervention, because this SUCKS!" talk about addiction!
today I made homemade protein bars and laundry soap! 
hello, my name is Chelsea, but you can call me Martha.

tonight Owyn went to bed early (because he took no nap) and Dave is out for a friends birthday. Basically it is official chick-flick night!

Oh, the simple joys in life.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Warm fuzzies

We're just about finished with the holiday decorating. 
My house feels extra warm and cozy. 
Can I just leave this stuff up all year?

My favorite time of year

Setting up the Christmas tree is one of my favorite activities throughout the entire year. 
There is something so majestic about a Christmas tree, and setting it all up. Every ornament is special and brings back memories, and every year we add more to mark new memories. 

This is the first year Owyn has really gotten into the tree, the lights and Santa Clause. 
He doesn't quite understand why we have giant socks (stockings) or why we hang them.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Checking In


This past week we have been recovering from illness, recovering from thanksgiving, and getting ready for Christmas. 

It's a tradition of ours to decorate our tree on Thanksgiving but we weren't able to, so we're going to this weekend. I can't wait! 

Be back soon to share.