Christmas Day 2010

Ryan and I woke up around 8:30 Christmas morning and had coffee with my family. We arrived at his parents' house around 10:30. We drank more coffee and opened presents. Even Zoe got to join in the fun!

We had Christmas dinner at Grandma and Grandpa Clayton's house that day and opened more presents.

Afterwards we went home, watch the Thunder game and called it a night. We had a wonderful Christmas and we are very blessed to be able to spend it with our wonderful families.

Christmas Eve 2010

Ryan and I were both off of work Christmas Eve day. I spent most of the morning/afternoon doing last minute shopping and wrapping. We arrived at his parents' house around 6 p.m. and had a yummy mexican meal complete with tacos, fajitas, rice, beans, and chips and queso. We spent some time hanging out and talking on the phone to Ryan's out of state family.

A few hours later we headed for my parents' house. We ended up arriving the same time as my younger brother, Matthew. We ate even more food at my parents' house: shrimp, little smokies, wings, veggies, and chips and dip. Needless to say our stomaches were more than satisfied. We opened presents after eating and enjoyed each others' company. Dad made a fire and we made sure to take family pictures.

Pre-Christmas Party

Two of our favorite couples were in town the Thursday before Christmas. Ryan and I hosted a small Christmas Party to celebrate with friends before everyone went to visit family.

We had snacks, wine, catchphrase and rockband!

It was such a great night with awesome friends and my hubby and my new sister!

Christmas Decor

Oh yes, that is a multi-color lighted tree.... straight out of the 80's! haha

Our stocking holder

5 days til Christmas

Tonight I finally wrapped our presents and put them under the tree. NOW the living room looks complete! :)

The last few weeks have gone by fast. Work has been keeping me super busy. I am still enjoying my new job, there is just a lot going on.

Ryan and I are in the middle of planning out a small vacation before he leaves. We are not quite sure where we are going, but we know we want to get away for at least 4-5 days in January. I am SO looking forward to this! I think it will be so great to spend time together, just the two of us, away from everything.

The week ahead is looking busy and fun. Tomorrow we are going to see Cirque Du Soleil in OKC with John, Steph, Andrew and Dianna. The only show I have seen like this was "LOVE", the Beatles show in Vegas. I am SUPER excited to be going to this!! Thursday evening a few people are going to come over to have a game night. Two couples that I have not seen in FOREVER that will be there are Lauren and Rob and Jen and Wayne! Both of my girls moved away this year and it will be so good to see them again!

Of course Friday and Saturday will be spent with family, for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I will leave you with a few pictures from the past few weeks.

Is it December already?

I cannot believe it is already the 9th of December. Time has been flying since Thanksgiving!

I have been completely swamped with my new position at work - but I love it! I think this position was the perfect fit for me and I am so glad I am part of the marketing team now! I know things will settle down soon enough, there is just a lot to learn and still a few things I am working on from my old position.

Ryan and I decorated the house over the past week. We bought a tree (artificial) with colored lights and tons of ornaments. Ryan hung icycle type lights on our front porch as well as the 2nd floor balcony. I have light-up candles in the windows along with other fun Christmas decorations. Our house finally looks like Christmas! (we still have to find a tree topper though, haha).

This weekend we will be in Norman finding out more information on Ryan's deployment. Doesn't sound too fun but at least I will be with my hubby all weekend. Saturday is my 28th birthday and Sunday is Di and Andrew's annual Christmas party. I love December, but it always goes by too fast.

Today was kind of a rough day. Work was long and busy (we are shooting a video) and then I had some personal stuff to deal with. Maybe I was a bit immature about a certain situation, but I was just being protective over someone I care a lot about. But, that always seems to get me in trouble. It is not easy for me to sit back and let people treat my friends/family badly... but then again, it is none of my business. Even though I did not get directly involved in the situation, I might have made a few comments that were not such a great idea. Well, as I have said before, I am a work in progress. Sometimes I let my emotions get the best of me. I am human. I think everyone has done that before. My heart is in a good place, but I don't always make the best decisions regarding things I say (or in this situation, type). But, I apologized (sincerely) and now its time to move on.

I am getting more and more anxious about Ryan leaving. I can't imagine being away from him for so long. But, I know that I have amazing friends and the best parents a girl could ask for to help me through it. And above everyone/everything else I have God watching over me and Ryan. That is the most important thing to remember. :)

Peace out for now.

One of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had...

This past week was a rough one. I started my new job and worked late nearly every night. However, I enjoyed every bit of it. I am so very excited to be in this new position. I feel that God has blessed me with this opportunity and I appreciate it.

I was SO ready for Wednesday evening. I got off work and Ryan and I went to my parents' house. My little brother came in from Tulsa and we had a very relaxing evening with good food and conversation. The next morning Ryan and I woke up and went to my work around 10:30. Epworth made Thanksgiving Dinner for our local firestation. We packed up the food and delivered it to our local heroes.

We went back to my parents' house so I could make deviled eggs and then headed out to Ryan's grandparents' house in OKC.

We were greeted by family and the wonderful aroma of a Thanksgiving feast. We were able to catch up with Ryan's Uncle Terry and Aunt Tona, who drove all the way from Colorado to be here. The Thanksgiving feast was AMAZING. Smoked turkey, baked turkey, mashed potatoes. green bean casserole, dressing, rolls, and sweet potatoes were on the menu. Oh, and don't forget the 5 different kinds of pies they offered! I normally don't eat sweets, but I just HAD to try the cherry pie that Ryan's mom made..... it was FANTASTIC! After the meal we all hung out and watched football, and half of us took a nap (hehe).

We took lots of pics and then Ryan and I headed out to my parents' house for Round Two.

We arrived at my parents' around 5:30. We had deviled eggs, turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes. green beans, corn, dressing, fruit salad, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole, and a 7 layer salad. WAY too much food, but soo good!

Aftwards I took a nap and we had some good family time at the house.

Later, Ryan and I went home and continued to play Rock Band til late in the morning. :)


Such a blessed Thanksgiving. We are both so very lucky for our amazing family and friends and of course, each other! Ryan will be leaving next year to fulfill his duty as a soldier and this was the PERFECT Thanksgiving to have before he leaves. :) Love to all!

What Really Matters

I have had lots of time this weekend to think and I have really just tried to give all my problems and hardships to God. And the funny thing is I use the word "hardships." In all honesty, when looking at the fact that Jesus died on the cross for OUR sins... I really don't have "hardships." Sure, I have problems and issues, just as everyone else faces in life. However, it is not fair to call it suffering or hardships... it is what it is. The trials of life. Things we cannot control. (i am a control freak so that is NOT easy for me)

After thinking a lot this weekend I am really trying to change my outlook on things. Yes, my life has changed for the better in the last year and a half. I have changed as a person. Really accepting my faults and owning up to my mistakes..... finding out what i want and need in life... finding my place in life. However, I am still a work in progress. We all are. And I am trying to just accept that and take life for what it is: an amazing chance to give love and receive love for as long as i live. Make a difference in people's lives. Whether its friends, family, random people, or residents from work.

It is a lot easier said than done, but I really want to live life to the fullest. Life really is too short. I have one chance to enjoy what and who I have in my life and to be the best person I can be.

I used to be a big pessmist. Anyone who knows me can testify to that. Things were always negative, things were always "woe is me." BUT I have overcome so many obstacles in life. And I know there are many more challenges to face and I am ready for that.

Happiness does not just "happen". You have to work for it and really want it.

This may have been the cheesiest blog post I have ever written but it is what I feel, and it is what is in my heart. I have so many blessings to be thankful for. Dwelling on the negative does not help anyone.

So I leave you all with this: Tell everyone person that you care about just HOW important they are to you. NOW. Every day. Every minute. As much as you can. You only have once chance on this earth. Make it worthwhile and enjoy it and everyone and everything in it.

Life is amazing. We make life what it is. We choose how we behave and how we react to situations.

We are all a work in progress. Being willing to work on yourself is what makes the difference.

I am not an expert on life my any means, I am just living it. LOVE to all my friends and family out there! :)

It's gonna be a long week.....

I began training my replacement today at work. She is catching on really fast so that makes it easier. I still have a lot to train her on. Also, she is only taking over part of my job responsibilities. The other duties are going to another coworker so I will have to train him as well. I only stayed after an hour today but I have a feeling I will be getting more overtime throughout the week. It is tough trying to plan events for the future (so my replacement wont be too overwhelmed) while training my replacement, and also trying to get my office more organized. I am so ready to be in my new office in the marketing department and to dig in to my new job! But, I have a long week ahead of me.

I had a great weekend though. My friend Ryane came over Friday evening to watch movies. I have known her since 4th grade and love her like a sister. Saturday I took my dad to lunch and then went to dinner with Allison, my sister-in-law, for her birthday later that evening. I got to meet a lot of her friends and eat some good pizza at Upper Crust. After dinner I met up with Ryan once again to celebrate her birthday. So many November birthdays! :)

Sunday I cleaned and got some work done. Then my daddy came over and Ryan came home from drill. I cooked dinner for them and enjoyed the company of my dad! I don't get to see my parents that often now that I am married so I truly cherish the time we do get to spend together.

Wish me luck with the crazy week ahead! Hopefully I will make it to Friday!

November is here!

It is getting a bit colder and I absolutely love it! Time to break out my warm bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, winter boots, and cute winter coats. LOVE this time of year!

The last week has been one of the craziest weeks. I applied for a position that came open at my current place of work, and I was offered the job on Tuesday! I am officially the Marketing Coordinator/Move-In Coordinator. I get to help the marketing team with all of their events and publications and what not. The other part of my job will be focusing on our new move-ins. I will help them pick out what they want for their new home and make sure everything is perfect for them.

I am super excited about this new opportunity. This is a chance for me to grow and venture into a new area of this field. Ryan, my family and friends have been so supportive of me and I appreciate that. It is not always easy changing things up and I am blessed to have their support.

Ryan is out of town this weekend for a 3-day drill. I have lots planned this weekend. I plan to be productive and spend some quality time with my girl Ryane, my dad, and Allison for her birthday.

Hope everyone had a great week! :) I will leave you with some pics from last weekend. We watched the OU game with this Miskovsky's and later had a game night.

Halloween Weekend 2010

Our Halloween Weekend was a great one!

Saturday Ryan had to work from 7-7 so I spent some time with his mom at a family reunion. I got to meet more members of his large family and saw some familiar faces from our wedding and the 2009 reunion. It is hard to believe that last time I was at the reunion Ryan and I had only been dating for 5 months!

After the reunion I searched for a few more accessories to complete Ryan's costume. After he got out of work we headed to Norman for our friend Tinisha's Halloween Party. There we celebrated one of my favorite holidays with Tay, Daphne, Josh, Chelsea, Joey and Kari. It was a lot of fun and our costumes were great!
Sunday I decided I was going to dress up one last time for Halloween. We had a few people over to hang out and play catchphrase. Even Zoe got in her costume! Okay, she was forced into her costume but she looked so cute!

Road Trips and Costume Fun

Last weekend we took a trip to Georgetown, TX to visit our best friends Lauren and Rob. It was a long 6 and a half hour drive but we finally made it around 5:30 p.m. It was exciting to see our friends as well as their new home! Lauren has done a wonderful job decorating. It looks perfect and was all festive with fall decorations. Lauren and I spent most of the night sipping on wine and catching up while the guys went out to eat on a man date. The next day we all ate at Salt Lick for some yummy BBQ. Afterwards we went shopping and I thoroughly enjoyed that! Unfortunately that evening I started feeling pretty sick to my stomach so it put quite a damper on the evening. We left the next day around noon, me still feeling yucky. On Monday I ended up taking a trip to the ER at Baptist due to insane stomach pains in my lower abdomen. All the tests checked out but my white blood cell count was pretty high, indicating an infection. The docs sent me home with antibiotics. I HATE going to the doc and I have only been in the hospital once or twice before so it was not a fun day. I spent the entire week trying to get healthy again. Finally by Friday the stomach pains were gone and I was feeling much better. Friday at work we had an employee health fair. I dressed up as Cruella De Vil and won 2nd place! :) That evening Ryan and I went to our friend Shelby's birthday. I was dressed up as Cruella and Ryan sported some devil horns, haha.

Fright Fest 2010

Last Sunday we went to Fright Fest at Frontier City. Our friend John was kind enough to get us a bunch of 1/2 price discount tickets so it made it a lot easier to go! We had the best time. Rode rides, went to the haunted house, and got to spend time with awesome friends! We had a big group: Ryan, me, John, Steph, Cristina, Di, Andrew, Tim, Justin, Amanda, Jeff, Ashlee, and Mike. Here are some pics!