Christmas time

Christmas was perfect this year. Nice & quiet. We had plenty of snow which gave us our white Christmas. Enoch had two weeks off from school and Joe got the Friday before Christmas off and the entire week after. Hallelujah!

All of these photos were taken on my phone so forgive the quality!

Christmas ornament fun!

The Annual Christmas visit from Uncle David. Enoch & Travis were THRILLED to see him.

Christmas Eve, Clyde, Shami and the boys – Rawley, Brody & Trager – came for dinner and presents. Its sort of our tradition with them and a fun one!

Enoch & Travis love their cousins.

Bonnie asked me to make the Prime Rib Roast for Christmas Eve dinner. To be honest, I was extremely nervous about it because I don’t cook BEEF too often. I like to cook chicken. Its easy! She had found a recipe for the roast though, knowing that I LOVE recipes and follow them to the T. This recipe was extremely simple and it turned out fantastic! I was extremely impressed with myself and I believe everyone enjoyed it. I do believe I discovered a new Christmas Eve tradition, Prime Rib! Joe is THRILLED!

Just popped in the oven with cracked pepper and fresh thyme. It smelled DIVINE.

The finished product. YUM!

Waiting patiently to open their one Christmas Eve gift.

Christmas Morning! The boys loved their new sweaters, Spiderman & Optimus Prime!

Travis’s Booty! He was so happy.

The Sword of Omens was an instant hit! Joe had to beg to try them out.

Enoch’s Loot!

Not all the blu rays were for him, I just decided to put them all in his stash.

YES! That IS a floating Shark! He loves it! The poor guy needs more helium though…

 

Christmas Day, we went to church and enjoyed a beautiful meeting with great music and awesome talks. Then we came home, napped, snacked, watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes, snacked some more, and prepared dinner. Bonnie made an awesome dinner of crab legs, shrimp, lobster, paella, and left over prime rib. It was so yummy. We got to spend our evening and dinner with the Hortons and their adorable boys. We ate, chatted, laughed at the kids and played a fun game of Farmville… I think that’s what its called! Forgive me Rocky! Haha. We love the Hortons and we love the time we get to spend with them so thanks you guys, for coming and hanging out with us fuddy duddies! ; )

 

Merry Christmas to all!

We love you!

 

Fashion 2

Fashion post #2 with a little bit of hair.

White lace tank - Dressbarn.com
Brown beaded Cardigan - Target clearance
Scarf - Target
Earrings & Ring - Target
Jeans - Downeast Basics
Hairstyle - my niece told me to look up "waterfall French braid" on YouTube
Can you tell I'm really into copper/rose gold lately?

Wish list

We always wait until the last minute to go Christmas shopping. Joe and I started last night. Yep, the Monday before Christmas, we started our Christmas shopping. Insane? Maybe.
We did finish our Christmas shopping for cousins, friends, parents, etc almost a month ago so we haven't been very stressed this year. All that was left was our boys and us.

I'm sure waiting until the week of may be daunting for some people. I can only see this happening if your kid is asking for the latest and greatest toy. Our boys have yet to reach that stage in life.

For instance, Enoch asked for a camera this year. That's all he wants. He didn't just out of the blue ask for this last week when we saw Santa, nope. He's been asking for a camera for months. You can even ask him, what did you ask Santa for Chrismtas? A camera. So we got him this...

It's a Kids Tough camera. Supposedly, you can drop this puppy down the stairs, throw it across the room and spill stuff on it. With a little brother like Travis, Enoch would definitely benefit from receiving such a substantial camera. I did wonder if we should purchase and actual camera for him but thought better. If this is an actual interest of his, and his skills and abilities continue to develop and he has interest, in the next year or two to upgrade, then we might look at a better camera. Until then, this guy will do.

Travis was a little tougher since he doesn't have a "list" or understands what we're talking about when we ask him what he wants from Santa. "Chocolate milk?". We decided to buy him something that was the same price as the camera for Enoch. So Travis ended up with this:

You shake Lightning and he speeds off! You can use Mac as a ramp. Travis is going to flip. Has he ever seen this toy before? Um, heck no. I steer him clear of the pricey toys when we do our weekly visit to Target so he has no chance of melt down over a toy that I would never dream of purchasing outside of Christmas or BirthdaY events.

Travis is also getting about six of these guys. I'd say he has about 90% of these Cars now. He loves them and plays with them daily. I sometimes find them in the bed with him all lined up perfectly.

And what's Christmas without the Sword of Omens?? Joe about jumped out of his pants when we ran across these at Wal-Mart. I'm really not sure who's going to play with them more, Joe? Or the boys? Hmmm...

And please don't forget the Transformers. Black Friday this year, they had the $20 Transformers on sale for $10. You really can't beat that. So whAt does Joe do? Yeah, he spends $80 on Transformers. Four of which are for adults!! And yes, Joe got one for himself. So silly!!!

What have Joe and I purchased for each other?? Sorry folks, old age has set in. We bought each other socks. Ha!

Christmas is usually a stressful time but this year, I'm really enjoying it. The true reason for the season is Christ and I'm determined to remember that this year. I did ask Enoch the other day why we celebrate Christmas and his response? "Duh mom, is Jesus' birthday.". *sigh of relief*

I love Santa, hot chocolate, Christmas trees, lights, decorations, the shopping and the happy holidays or merry christmas's from random people but most of all, I love Jesus Christ and I am so grateful for his love, the sacrifices that he made for us and his example.

Here's to wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy your friends, family, traditions and gifts.
And Always remember, Wise Men Still Seek Him.

Fashion?

I love fashion. I love following it, I love attempting it, and I love seeing other people's take on fashion. Everyone, in my opinion, has their own little fashion flare. You may not like their fashion but it is still considered fashion. I currently read a few blogs right now of moms who are fashionistas and they're really fun blogs with some great, simple ideas.

I wanted to try something. In no way, shape, or form, do I think I'm some amazing fashion gal but I do love clothes!! I've decided I'm going to start posting pictures of my outfits. Not sure if this will be a daily occurrence, a once a week thing, or maybe just posting a picture when I really like my outfit... We'll see!! And really, this is just a fun way for me to try and get creative with the clothes I have.
Before I met Joe, I wore black & white. That was it! Maybe a gray here and there but mostly black & white. I love the two colors but it got really boring, really fast. Joe honestly taught me how to introduce color into my wardrobe and I really couldn't be more grateful! So, with that said, I have a lot of clothes in many color variations and I need to learn to how mix and match - and I really think this would be a good way to try!

So here goes, outfit #1.
-white under shirt - Shade Clothing cap sleeve
- striped flower shirt - Dressbarn
- cardigan - Downeast Outfitters
- belt - Shade Clothing

Celebrate

Friday night, we were able to celebrate our anniversary. We rented a hotel at the Inverness Hotel & Golf Club. It was a nice hotel and it wasn't a very busy night so it was quiet. I think we may have been the only people on our floor.

Joe had gotten us both anniversary gifts in Utah at his Uncle's jewelry store. He got me a titanium necklace and a titanium/koa wood ring for himself. Both pieces are very nice and it was a pleasant surprise.

We started the night out at a company dinner. Joe's company did work for a hospice care and they gave this amazing dinner for the guys. It was nice to finally meet some of the new guys that Joe has been working with this year and it was great to see Joe's boss and family. We just don't get to see them enough anymore.

After the dinner, we dropped the boys off with their tutu & papa and we headed to the hotel. We were thinking about going to a movie but there wasn't anything really entertaining playing... At least not in our book. So we strolled Target for some snacks & goodies, then headed back to the room for a Lost marathon. We're hooked! Just finished the third season. Everyone says it gets weird in the fourth season but to me, it's been weird from the beginning! Haha. We love it though.

Saturday morning, we slept in until 10 am, heavenly! Then packed up, checked out, and headed to Ikea! Joe had never been and it was my second time. We had a really good, leisurely visit. 2 hours of browsing and dreaming of a future home was wonderful! Joe was sold on some things and is excited to hopefully one day throw a kitchen together for a steal!

After Ikea, we headed over to Hacienda Colorado for lunch. It was okay, I think I've been spoiled with Mexican food that's authentic and Hacienda just doesn't cut it.

From lunch, we were thinking our day was coming to an end because Joe had some work but that was cancelled, luckily, so we then ventured out to the outlets in Castle Rock. It was cold and snowing but we had a really good time, walking around and window shopping. We finally made a few purchases at the Addidas store - they had a 50% off sale on the Colorado Rapids jerseys and shorts And buy 3 get the 4th item 50% off so we indulged! Joe was a very happy camper. I discovered my love for Rod Laver shoes too!!! I'm hoping to get a pair for Christmas! So cute!

After a few hours at the outlets, we headed home. It was a very nice and relaxing weekend that we both enjoyed thoroughly. It was nice to have that downtime with Joe. It just doesn't happen anymore. : )

Happy Anniversary Babe! I love you!

7 Years

7 years. It's been 7 years. Can you believe it? I kind of can't. It really doesn't feel like 7 years. Maybe 7 months? Nope. 7 years. 8, if you count the 6 months we were dating and the 6 months we were engaged. 7 years and two kids later... I really couldn't ask for more.

When I first met Joe, it was at church - go figure! Haha. It was at my singles ward, he had a calling in his family ward so he would just 'visit' singles wards each week. My Bishop was actually released that day so sacrament went on for like an extra hour! We were the last ward meeting in the building that day so it was okay! It was a bittersweet day. The Bishop that had helped me through so much was moving on but it helped me realize how much I appreciated him and all he had done for our little ward. I still remember the moment I turned around in the pew to look for someone, who, I don't remember. But I do remember seeing Joe. I even remember what he was wearing! I won't bore you with those details. : ) I just remember thinking he looked SO different. (in a good way) Different from any man I had ever seen before. I also remember trying to place his ethnicity. Spanish, Mexican, Indian, I just couldn't place it! And believe it or not, I would never have thought Hawaiian because I hadn't actually ever met anyone from or related to Hawaiian. Sheltered, I know. I knew that I was going to look for his face after sacrament was over, I just had to meet him. Turns out, God was smiling on me that day. One of the girls I hung around with had grown up with Joe and she was excited to see him back from his mission. She introduced us. How lucky was I???

Joe was so bashful, apprehensive, shy, cute!! He was deathly afraid of girls, poor guy was only a month off his mission! I was convinced for so long that he was into my beautiful best friend from Australia so I decided not to approach. We hung out quite a bit, Joe, Katrina, David and I. We had a lot of good times. Lots of laughs, lots of memories. I'm so grateful for those days. They helped me build confidence, helped me find out who I was, helped me realize that I was loved.
They were good days.

Our first kiss was shared on the front porch of the very house that we're living in now. He proposed to me in the front room of this house. I experienced the amazing beauty of the Temple with Joe and all the blessings it holds. I've gone through some of the most difficult experiences with Joe. Our first child was born with birth defects, he couldn't come home with us right away, he had 3 surgeries within the first 6 months of his life. Our faith and marriage were brutally tested throughout Enoch's first year on this earth but I am convinced, that if I had married anyone else, we would have not come out alive at the end of it. Instead of growing apart in a stressful situation, Joe and I grew stronger. Closer.

Joe has helped me become the person I am today and I can only hope I've had a small part in who he has become today. I'm so grateful to have Joe in my life and I'm truly blessed to be sealed to him for eternities. He is an amazing man and I continue to try to deserve having him in my life, everyday.

So Joe, Happy 7 years to you. I love you and always will. Here's to the Eternities. : )

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Thankful

Thanksgiving has come and gone once again. It was my first solo Tday without my mother or mother-in-law to do the brunt of the cooking. We did have a few good friends over for the feast and their scrumptious contributions really made the dinner. Thanks to those who came and made it a memorable holiday!

This is truly, my favorite time of year. I love autumn, the leaves turning, the beautiful sunsets early in the evening, the chilly weather which means I get to use layers again and boots! Gotta love the boots! This is also my favorite time of year for one other, hugely amazing reason. Joe and I were wed and sealed on November 27th. This time around, we will be spending our anniversary apart. : ( Joe flew to Utah this morning for a cousin's mission "farewell". I guess you don't call them farewell's anymore? Not sure... Anywho. This cousin means a lot to Joe so I really couldn't let him not go out there for this. He will have a wonderful time supporting his cousin in his amazing choice to serve a mission for the Lord. This is also a great time for him to visit another cousin he is close with and his best friend (minus the wifey in tow) ; ) . The boys and I will miss his tremendously and we both will be a little sore about spending our 7th anniversary apart. Haha. We are planning on having some 'FaceTime' while he is there. I've never done it on our phones without him actually being in the same room so I'm a little excited.
Yes, I'm a nerd.

So what am I thankful for?
1. The Gospel
2. Joseph
3. Enoch & Travis
4. My good friends, you know who you are!
5. Family
6. Pero!
7. Pumpkin pie
8. Doctors
9. Art
10. Modern day advances (technology)

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I also hope you enjoyed your Black Friday, no matter how you spent it.

Happy Thanksgiving!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

big chores

Lately, Enoch is into doing "big" chores. He usually just puts the silverware basket away from the clean dishwasher but now, he does "big" chores. What are some of these "big" chores you might be asking yourself:

1. Last night, he excitedly washed some dishes in the sink! We of course only had him wash what was plastic for fear of hearing shattered glass.

2. He enthusiastically enjoys changing the empty toilet paper roll in the bathroom. He is even kind enough to come into the bathroom and replace it for you while you are waiting on the toilet because your roll ran out and there were no spares under the sink.

3. He likes to brush his teeth now. He does the morning brush and I still do the night time brush. This is a "big" chore to him.

4. He LOVES to bring in the groceries from the car. I love this too because his little brother now thinks its cool to help. "Me help you? Please?".

Ah, boys are fun. I hope this serving thing carries through to the teen years and adulthood. What a great attribute to have. : )

fuerst family photo shoot

So these are the people I’m related to. We always seem to have a good laugh when we all get together.

Here were are at Delaney Farms for our family photos. I took most of the pictures but, all the photos I appear in are taken by Joe.

We had a really good time and here’s what we had to show for an hour & a half of family time!

Yep, that’s my sister.

Hayley’s face seriously says it all here.

Mom & Dad

The Boys

The first born!

The elusive & wild Alana has made another appearance!

 

 

We had a really good afternoon. Missing a few siblings with their significant others… maybe next year.

 

THE END