My Intentions

After hearing some of your thoughts on my last blog post I wanted to make it clear that my wish in posting my thoughts was that others would be motivated to help out in any way that they could for whoever their hearts led them to help.
If I seemed frustrated or disheartened it was only to the fact that there are so many people here and across the globe that need love and help and I wish there were more people willing to step up to the plate and take action.
It could be helping out in small ways or big ways. By donating your time, money, or skills to help out someone or a cause that needs you. I am inspired daily by hearing of others doing what they can to help out others who need love and care. I started this blog as a way to keep our friends & family informed on what was going on in our lives. And I hope that in that process this blog lifts you up when you read it. I hope that depending on the post, it will inspire you or just bring a smile to your face.

Help Ourselves??

I am honestly confused and just plain baffled by the whole concept of "helping oursleves first". The fact that it is even a conversation honestly just makes no sense to me. We are all human, living on this Earth and everyone of us deserves to be loved and taken care of just as much as anyone else. I would hope that if you have a heart to help and serve others that it would NOT matter where those "others" were from or called home.
Lately I have seen more and more people who are upset by the thought of Americans helping anyone other than Americans. To be completely honest, this seems extremely selfish and leads me to believe that the person feels that Americans are more important than someone from another part of the world. I don't get why it matters? If someone in your neighborhood needs help I would hope you would be there for them in there time of need. And if someone across the world needs your help I would hope that you would be there for them as well.
I understand that we can't all afford to help everyone. We need to find things that matter to us, things that God has put on our hearts and help where we can. Whether that need is near or far away shouldn't matter. We are all human and deserve to know love and that there are others out there willing to lend a hand to us.
I am so thankful for all of the people who are willing to give their time, money, or talents to help others. Whether they are helping fellow Americans or someone continents away. It is my hope that we can be a country known for being there for those here at home who need us and those who live far away as well!

A New Year

Happy New Year!!
I am always excited to start a new year in January. It is a chance to look back on the blessings you have recieved in the last year and all the awesome memories you have made. It also gives us a chance to think about things we hope to accomplish in the next year or directions we would like our lives to take.
In 2011 we hope to think more of others and less of ourselves. Whether it is smaller things on a daily basis or really doing something big to help someone out we want to be there for others. Basically we hope to be more like Jesus by letting him live through us in a real way.
We also want to focus on being a healthier couple. Life is just better the healthier you are and we have been making healthier choices in eating and working out. It may not always be easy but it is definiltey worth it and we definitely feel happier when we are healthier.
Finally we want to continue to get rid of all of our debt. What an amazing feeling it will be to be debt free someday! And along with that goal comes the goal of saving up for IVF and/or adoption.
We hope that you all have much success with your goals this upcoming year. And we hope your year is full of many happy memories, laughter, and chances to grow closer to God!!

2010

2010 Best List:
1. We got to see Bryan Adams in concert.
2. We planted grass and had a part of our lot that actually looked like a yard. It was a piece of heaven!
3. We got to spend lots of time kayaking.
4. My little brother got engaged to his soul mate. This makes us beyond happy!
5. We got to spend lots of time with both of our families.
6. We built our garage and have a warm place for our car this winter. We will never take it for granted again.
7. We brought home a stray cat who perfectly completed our furry family members. We love Albus!!
8. We spent our birthdays rocking out to some of our favorite bands.
9. We made our house into a home.
10. We got to spend Thanksgiving with some very special family in California.
11. Our business continues to grow and we couldn't be happier doing it.
12. We got to spend lots of time with friends making awesome memories.
13. We fell even deeper in love.
14. We grew closer to God and grew in our excitement to learn more about him.
Cheers to 2010 and here is wishing all of you the best year yet in 2011!!!

The Advent Calendar

My Grandma made every holiday extra special for us and I have so many amazing memories with her. As my hubby will tell you, I miss her every single day and especially during the holidays. One special tradition was her advent calendar that she made herself, including typing out all of the little cards for everyday that explain how the ornaments relate to our lives as Christians. It means so much to me that I now have this treasured piece of our tradition in my home. We think of Grandma Frances everytime we place an ornament on the tree. And I dream about the day that my children will light up with excitement when we take out the calendar for Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

I have always loved the Christmas Season. It is my favorite time of year and holds a very special place in my heart. I have so many great memories of the holidays. My parents and my Grandma Frances especially made holidays extra special for us. I am thankful for all of the traditions and memories they made with me that I cherish.
Growing up my mom would always make wrapping paper, Christmas cards, and gift tags with us using stamps. This is one tradition I really love and was excited to do again this year. My parents were here for the weekend and we had a great time making wrapping paper, sitting by the fire, and just spending time together.

Here are some pictures of our fun times and wrapping paper.

We hope you are enjoying this Christmas season and enjoying old traditions or making new traditions with the ones you love!!

Thanksgiving California Style

This year we were blessed to be able to travel to California for Thanksgiving with some of Max's side of the family. We got to spend the holiday with the Krug, Swisher, and Chao families and it was the best week. We had some interesting weather and experiences on the drive out that we will never forget and were glad to make it there safe on Tuesday evening. 

We spent the week hanging out, eating delicious food, wearing our awsome matching pjs, seeing Folsom and Sacaramento, exploring a train museum, checking out an apple orchard and christmas tree farm, and even had a family punt, pass, and kick competition. They all made us feel right at home and it was definitely hard to say goodbye on Sunday.

Here are some highlights from our awsome trip!

Fun at the Duck Pond

Rocking the aprons on Thanksgiving!

Another delicious dinner prepared by Aunt Debbie.

Have you ever seen anything cuter??

Punt, Pass, & Kick

Christmas Tree Farm

Folsom Prison