March 3, 2012 ~ Birthday Surprise!

Picture it.

Cold, rainy Saturday. I'm sick with allergies and feeling horrible. I had been sick with sinus issues for days. I'm attempting to study for my second test in nursing school, which was only 2 days away. And lets just say I didnt do well on the first. Oh yea... & its my 26th birthday.

We planned a simple dinner with a couple friends. No big deal. I was leaning toward canceling the whole thing because I was miserable & I was stressed about my test. Only problem was Jess said I couldnt have my present if we didnt go to dinner. *pouty pants* Well I love me some gifts, big or small, expensive or homemade. I dont care I just want my damn presents. How dare she not give me my present when I was clearly in need of a mood lifter and pampering?!

Meanwhile, my friend was blowing up my phone asking me when I would be ready. She was nearly crushed when I said I was sick & wanted to stay home. I figured since she has 3 kids (one of which was 3 months old!) she prob needed to Mommy Night Out time. So I dragged my pathetic ass to the shower and tried to wash away the misery of sinus pressure, swollen face, and puffy eyes.

I guess the hot shower did some good because I felt almost 100% better. I looked pretty cute too, considering how I was feeling an hour before. Soooo.... since I agreed to go to dinner, I got my present! She made me the sweet scrapbook with song lyrics to one of our songs. Metallica's Nothing Else Matters is one of my favorite songs and the lyrics are just so perfect. Life is ours, we live it our way. And nothing else matters. Love it. Anyways... on the last page she wrote me a letter saying how much she loved every minute we have been together and that she looks forward to the rest of our lives together. I looked up and she was on one knee!!! SHE PROPOSED!! She was saying how she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me & I barely let her get the words out before I pulled her up and kissed her. Of course I said YES!

I love it!! This is exactly what I wanted. Which is awesome that she knew that because I had been changing my mind from what I thought I had always wanted. I used to want a solitaire princess cut diamond.. but a friend of ours had something similar to this ring and I just thought it was so beautiful. Antique-like. <3 

This is what I similar to what I wore... somehow I forgot to get pictures of us on my birthday & engagement. Boo. I guess it was all the allergy meds I was on ;)

I called all my friends... who all knew already! They were eagerly waiting and hoping it would happen soon. Apparently, she had the ring for almost 3 months. She had giving my mom money to hide, so I wouldnt notice money coming from our checking account. Sigh. Love her... I asked if she asked my moms permission.... of course she did. She knew that was important to me. She told everyone we know to get opinions and so worth. She even sent pics to our friend asking if this ring was similar to hers because she knows how much I loved her ring. She thought of many, many ideas on how to do it, including taking me to the beach. Which she asked if I wanted to go for my birthday weekend and I said no because I had to study. Dammit. Ruined that surprise. But really, it doesnt matter how she did it.... all that matters is that were together... and I got a ring that we love each other more than words could ever describe. ;) I love love love my ring! I couldnt have picked out a better one!!

Yay! We're engaged!! <3

Valentine's Day 2012

Hello!

Its so hard to find the time to blog. Seems we are ALWAYS busy.. Jess works almost everyday. Between her internship, working bball games for her scholarship, and her actual paying job... she never has a day off. But luckily I convinced her to takes Sundays off from now on. She deserves one day to herself. And to spend time with me ;)

We are having a low-key Valentine's Day this year. We done big before and we just dont have the time for it this year. I kinda like just being home with her. We exchanged cards, and she got me roses (she knows the way to my heart!) She also surprised me and had lunch with me between my classes.. love that. When I got home from class, she had dinner almost ready... Steak, baked potatoes, and AMAZING green beans. Omg so good. She even cleaned the kitchen & cleaned off the table! If you have been reading for a while, (or know us in real life) you know this is our one & only issue! Haha.

I had planned to start making her a collage on canvas similar to this..

But with our names, nicknames, K & M, anniversary date etc.

I made the collage but thought we could finish it together!

Valentines Day Flashback:

2009: I dont have a post for Vday 2009 because I didnt start blogging till May 2009! But I surprised her in SC for her bball game. She was super excited... but kinda figured I would do that. But she had no idea I had decorated her room before I left and when she returned home this is what she found....

 

2010: Check out this post! To see what we did!

2011: Read this post to find out how that year went...

Every year no matter what we do... I love it. Whether its a big surprise trip or a low key night at home. We are blessed to have found true love.. and in the end thats all that matters!

Baby..

I love you more and more everyday.

You are my rock & without you, I never would have made it to nursing school.

I cant wait to see whats in store for our future and what next year's Valentine's Day holds.

Love Always,

Your Babygirl

NYE- 2011

Jess and I are pretty low key when it comes to celebrating. We enjoy quiet evenings at home and like to avoid the craziness of it all. I wasnt feeling very well new years eve and had someone cover my shift. I stayed in bed most of the day and then watched the ball drop with Jess when she got home.

2011 has been a pretty good year for us.

- Jess finished her last year of college basketball.

-She got her first job!

- I graduated from my 2 year school.

- I went full time at work, only to have to go back part time in January 2012..

- We moved into a 3 bedroom apartment (which was a lot of drama that I never found time to blog about! =/)

- I got into Nursing School! <<---- Best News Ever!

-We threw our first baby shower!

And some more incredibly exciting events, Im sure!

We are grateful for all that we have and look forward to a year for of changes for us!

Happy New Years Eve!

Goodbye 2011!

Christmas 2011

 We had a wonderful Christmas. On Christmas eve, we closed so we didnt get off work until 8pm. Well, I got off at 8, Jess got off at 7. It was a Saturday night so I had extra stuff to do to close out for the night, as well as for the week. But I was done on time. :)

Jess rushed home to finish packing and walk the furbabies. She loaded the car and got everything ready so that when I got home, we could get on the road. I have the best wifey :)

We got to my mom's around 10pm and of course we opened all of our gifts. Why you ask? Because I have always opened presents on Christmas eve.. not all of them, but most of them. Seriously, I always had Christmas as soon as I woke up whether it was 4am or 9am.... lets be honest, it was rarely 9am ;) Santa must have woken me every year on his way out!! Ha Ha.

Well, Santa mom did not disappoint!!

drumroll please....

Oh yea... I got a Kindle Fire baby!

I also got these... ok let me explain...

1.  Anyone remember the Pizza Hut glasses with the Flintsones Kids on them from 1980s?? Well, me either. I think maybe my Aunt Kathy had some, but thats the extent of any kind of memory. One day, the family (me, mom, Aunt Kathy, and Jess) were hitting up the antique stores they love, oh so much, we I spotted a Freddy glass for $2. It was too cute to pass up... plus it was 50% off. SCORE. Fast foward a year, and I found the Barney glass at antique store but it was $18. Uh no thank you! I was crushed. I wanted it sooo bad. Well, Mom found a good deal on one... so I got it for Christmas. :)

2. OK.... I may have had a bit of an obsession with Blue's Clues. Ya know, the toddler show on Nick... Well, maybe not the show so much... but the little dog is just so dang cute! One year, Mom found a plush Blue's Clues blanket and pillow for $40. I still have it... and it traveled to New York with me on a high school chorus trip. No Shame! Anyways... I have had the plate/bowl set for years!!! And last time mom was down to see us we noticed it had a crack in it. So sad. I decided not to use it anymore... and actually threw it away about a week ago. Guess what else mom found for a good deal??? Yep. A brand new Blue's Clues plate. :) Awesome.

Along with all our antique store finds, Mom found a gumball machine a while back. Jess loves it! She eats so much gum every time we visit. So mom found her one too. She also got my niece and uncle one too! It was the Year of the Gumball! Ha Ha.

She also got Jess some new Paula Deen dishes, not the cook set she got that last year, but some baking dishes. And some new PD utencils. Mom gave us an awesome canvas picture that she actually made! Lots of other cool stuff.

The babies had Christmas when we got back to our apartment on Monday. They were excited... although Kiwi appears a bit stuck up in the pics but really she found a chewy bone on the floor!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!!

Christmas Wishlist

This year, Jess and I are not exchanging gifts. I know I know its sad.. thats what we keep hearing. But, really.. we dont need or want anything. Well... I need a lot of stuff for nursing school.. so we are focusing on that. The orginal plan was to buy a new 46" flat screen tv for our living room, but when I was accepted to school, our plans were thrown off track. The only other 2 things Jess wanted was

this

and this

But we got them both on Black Friday!

So back to my list...

I need these

[caption id="attachment_704" align="aligncenter" width="367" caption="Nursing Books"][/caption]

And these

And seriously think I need one of these



Or one of these

Ya know because every serious nursing student needs an iPad or Kindle.. strickly for educational purposes, of course ;)

Dear Santa,

Please read my blog and get me the things I need for school.

K thanks!

 

A few of my favorite things! ~Christmas~

I can't believe Christmas is just around the corner. And shortly after that I will be starting nursing school (WARNING: You may get sick of hearing about nursing school.. BUT I don't care, I worked very, very, VERY hard to get it in ;) )... wow... time flies.

After weeks of studying and working... we finally have a break. At least from school.

So these are a few of my favorite *Christmas* things!

We finally found time to put up our Christmas tree the other night. As we were dragging out all of our Christmas decorations, I started thinking about how long we have been together. I mean we had 4-5 boxes of Christmas stuff, plus our tree. I also realized how many traditions of our own we have. We always watch one (if not, all) of The Santa Clause Trilogy. I bought them for Jess last year.

 The best part about getting out all our decorations is 1. reminiscing about our childhood since we have most of our childhood ornaments. :) 2. Remembering what I bought last year at craft stores at 75% off!! Love after holiday sales! Plus I found the personalized ornaments I bought last year but didn't get to put up!



 

[caption id="attachment_684" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Our family 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_682" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="The ornament we bought our first Christmas 2008"][/caption]

A couple of years ago, we found the cutest chihuahua ornaments and they fit Kiwi & Mango perfectly!!
 Moving on down the list...

My Christmas playlist!

1. Christmas in Dixie -Alabama (it's a family thing!)

2. All I want for Christmas is you -Mariah Carey (an obvious choice)

3. Christmas (Baby please come home) -Mariah Carey

4. All I want for Christmas is a real good tan -Kenny Chesney (because its fun!)

5. This Christmas -Chris Brown (because he though I hate Chris Brown and wish he would never release another album again.... I love that movie!!)

6. My only wish -Britney Spears (reminds me of being 15 :) )

7. Christmas in Dixie -Kenny Chesney & Alabama (love it so much it has to be mentioned twice! plus its with Kenny!!)

8. Hard Candy Christmas -Dolly Parton (I just like it!)

9. Hanson's entire Christmas album (dont judge.. makes me 10 years old again!)

10. NSYNC's entire Chrismas album (again dont judge... 1. its good. 2. makes me feel 12.)

I will spare you the others, but I assure you there are more. Yes, I listen to this playlist EVERY year!! Almost everyday ;)

Continuing with the list...

Hallmark Movies. I love the holidays when they air new movies almost every week, with almost the same story line... sad girl meets handsome man in some small town :)

Last thing.. I love going home for the holidays. Every year, (except when I wasnt working) I have closed on Christmas Eve. I usually offer too because I dont have kids. After work, I drive home to help mom cook... (usually I just taste test! :) ) It doesnt matter what time I get home, she wakes up and we talk for hours! Even if she has to work early on Christmas day. We try not to wake her up but we use her bathroom (its bigger) so it just sort of happens. This year, when we got there for Thanksgiving we sat on her bed talking till almost 5am! AND she had to get up at 630 haha. Good times!



 

 

Thanksgiving & Black Friday

I love the holidays. And I love being home at my mom's. We were off 3 days from work and spent it all at moms. Love that!

[caption id="attachment_674" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Thanksgiving 2011 (Idk why its so blurry!)"][/caption]

This year, Black Friday shopping started at 10pm. I was really excited about this because I hate getting up early. Although, I didnt realize it would interfere with my nap after Thanksgiving dinner. We got to Walmart around 530pm. We were on a mission to get the new blue Wii. We already have a Wii in our bedroom that we use mostly to stream Netflix. But we needed Netflix in the living room as well. So instead of buying a streamer for $60-$80m, we decided to just buy the new Wii. We also wanted some of the $20 600 threadcount sheets, which Jess got trampled over. But after elbowing her way back up.. she got our sheets! ;) Some guy tried to take them out of her hands by reaching over her and she BIT HIM! haha kinda gross but hey dont put your hands in someones face just because you are bigger than she is! Asshole. Mom wanted the 19" tv for $100 to go in the guest room (mostly for us :) ) so she stood in line in the freezer section for 7 hours to get one! She was number 1! But turns out they had plently and the next morning they still had over 100. She was pissed. Ha Ha.

We got great deals on dvds, and Wii games. So thats always a plus for me. (seriously addicted to dvds.)

DVDS- Pretty Little Liars (dont hate!), The Vampire Diaries 1 & 2 (2 sets for gifts), Planet Earth, The Big Bang Theory Season 4. $10 each!

[caption id="attachment_678" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Black Friday Shoppers"][/caption]

While we were eating our dinner, I told my brother all about my nursing expenses and how much I had been spending on vaccines and physicals etc. When dinner was over, and he was leaving, he handed me $100 and told me to get my shoes ($60) and stethescope or whatever. I was super excited, hugged him and told him I loved him :) Even though, he gave me the money for shoes, I also had $115 nursing kit to buy to I put the money up for that instead. He called mom later to tell her to make sure I didnt spend it on Black Friday shopping. She informed him I already put it aside for my nursing kit because it cost more. Well he said for me to buy both and he was send me more money in the next week. YAY! I never ask him for money. I try to do it on my own, because I know if I ever get into a bind he will be there for me. Im super excited he is helping me out.. one less thing I have to worry about. :)

>Valentine's Day 2011

>This morning when Jess woke up these were by her side of the bed...


And while she was in class, I did this to her car..









And when I got home from class, I found this...



I love Valentine's Day!!!
I love you Beautiful! I love our relationship and the life we are building!! I never stop being grateful to have you as my love and my best friend!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

>Thanksgiving 2010

>

I am thankful for a wonderful family and a loving girlfriend to share

the holidays and everyday with.

We had Thanksgiving with my mom this past Sunday

because she has to work today.

So today, we made our first Thanksgiving just us.

We made a turkey, homemade mashed potatoes,

homemade mac & cheese,

green bean casserole,

and dressing from Publix ;)

We didnt even wanna try to make our on dressing.

We got yummy pecan pie and pumpkin pie for dessert!!

Happy Thankgiving!

>Trick or Treat! :)

>

This may be the cutest pic-- I've ever seen!! :)

Although, I couldnt get a single picture with

them both looking at the camera,

they were amazing at staying

somewhat still.

Kiwi knows to stay put (especially when I have a camera)

But Mango...

is still a baby.

And he NEVER sits still.

:)

It was worth the money spent on sweaters and then 3 pumpkins

just for this pic!!

>Valentine's Day at Hilton Head Island, SC

>

Jessica surprised me and took me away to Hilton Head. She planned everything and we left shortly after her basketball game on Saturday. We arrived at the gorgeous Crowne Plaza Resort on Hilton Head Island and omg.. it was perfect. She booked the Ocean Sunrise view room, the view was amazing. She also planned breakfast at the hotel :) My favorite meal is always BREAKFAST. Although, on the ride down it was quite obvious that I was coming down with her cold/pneumonia from last week. (Hopefully I'll just have the cold part!)Anyways, I had a massive headache and was barely hungry. =/ I still hate that I didnt eat much! lol .... But I was determined to have a good day and we did!! We ventured around the town, shopping and taking tons of pictures. We went to the Harbor Town Lighthouse. I think there was 144 steps and my legs HURT nooow. But it was worth it. We decided to skip having a fancy dinner and just shop, so we ate a our favorite burger place "Five Gu.ys" YUMMO!! Nothing made me feel more married to her than being on a romantic night away and us missing our furbaby more than anything. lol Oh! and the looks on the peoples faces at the hotel when they seen us coming/leaving was priceless!

HAHA... While we were shopping the guy employee was offering to help us all through the shoe store. Asking if we found everything ok and making small talk with Jess about where we were from, when I wandered away to look at more shoes ;) To keep us from waiting in line, guy of course opens up his register for us. Poor guy started asking a million questions like what brought us to Hilton Head, where we stayed, what all we had seen in the town... and then.. as if he mustarded up all the courage he could, he said "Im not wrong to assume yall are a couple right?" Yes, Yes we are.
He especially loved when I gave a card to pay, as he asked for I.D, Jess had to show hers. Because Yes I have a card with her name on it... He said "well guess u can sign, I'm sure youre used to signing for her card =)" Yes Sparky I am. :D

>Christmas Survey!!

>The Tree
1. When Do You Put Up the Tree?
Thanksgiving night or by Dec 1st

2. Real or Fake?
Fake for now... Jess really wants a real one somaybe when our place is bigger we will get a real one.

3. Lights - What Color?
I prefer color!! But this year we have both since our tree was pre-lit and FREE!

4. Garland?
Not this year.

5. Theme or No Theme?
no theme... just whatever we like...

6. What Kind of Topper?
Star!!

7. What's Your Favorite Ornament?
Our penguin one we had made last year with our names on it =)

8. What does your tree skirt look like?
red and white like santa outfit.

9. Where Do You Put Your Tree?
In the corner of the living room by the window

10. Who Decorates the Tree?
me and jess

11. What's Under the Tree?
the presents before we opened them early

12. Do You Put Candy Canes On Your Tree?
Yes! Jess loves them!

About the Food:
1. What's Your Favorite Christmas Cookie?
I think Jess likes any Christmas sugar cookies

2. Do You Bake Cookies and Give Them Away?
not really

3. Any Special Foods You Have Only at Christmas?
ahhhh yes... my mom makes the same dinner on Christmas that she does on Thanksgiving.. Amazing.... but she only makes it on those 2 holidays.

4. What Do You Eat Christmas Eve?
just whatever.. nothing special.

5. What Do You Eat Christmas Day?
Ham. Chicken Cassserole. Mashed Potatoes(Jessica's Contribution). Green Bean Casserole. Sweet Potato Stuff. Dressing W/ Gravy. Chicken Dumplings. haha clearly were not big on the veggies lol

6. Do You Like Eggnog?
Nope.

7. Do You Like Candy Canes?
yes.

About The Decorations:
1. Where Do You Hang Your Stockings?
on our wall unit. we dont have a fireplace.. yet. =)

2. Do You Put Lights on Your House?
Not this year... but we will in the future.

3. Got Any Outside Lawn Decorations?
No.

4. Do You Put Up a Nativity?
We will.... as soon as we find one!! ( Mom informed me that her and my aunt found the most perfect Precious Moments Nativity at a thrift store for $3.. that had never been open... I LOVE PM!!! But she I guess didnt think my love for PM was that intense so they didnt buy it... although my aunt told her to buy it cuz it would match the PM snowglobe that Jess had just bought me!! oh... well...)

5. Do You Hang Mistletoe Over Your Door?
No but we totally should. ;)

6. Got a Wreath on Your Front Door?
No.. I wanted this certain Bell Wreath but I havent been able to find one this year. booo

7. How Long Does it Take You to Decorate?
one day... were just starting out... we dont have that much yet.

About the Movies/Shows:

1. Favorite Christmas TV Show?
hmmm we like the Holiday Extravaganza on Food Network.. does that count? =)

2. A Wonderful Life / Miracle on 34th Street / A Christmas Carol
Jess says Miracle on 34th Street.
I say A Christmas Carol- the cheesy modern day ones are my favorite!!

3. Favorite Christmas Movie?
The Santa Claus Trilogy, Elf, and pretty much all the Hallmark Channel and Lifetime sappy Christmas Movies!!

4. Have you ever seen the Nutcracker Suite Ballet live?
nope

5. Ever Been to the Radio City Music Hall Show?
nope

6. Ever Gone to the Movies on Christmas Day?
Yes. we try to every year! We made it our tradition last year.. Ive always done it with my family.

Other Christmas Things:

1. Favorite Christmas Books?
Idk that we have one.

2. Do You Stuff Your Stockings With Any Types of Food?
mostly candy... but my mom always stuffed mine with apples and oranges.. although I cant eat the fruit... I love the smell that lingers from it in my stocking.

3. Do You Go to Church on Christmas or Christmas Eve?
no but we should!

4. Have You Ever Gone Caroling?
only when I was in chorus in middle school..

5. Favorite Christmas Carol?
Silent Night. We wish you a Merry Christmas. Jingle Bell Rock. Winter Wonderland.

6. Do You Believe in Santa?
Sure ;)

7. Do You Leave Santa Cookies?
Jess says we have too... so yes!

8. What About Rudolph?
nah.. I dont think so.

9. What Was Your Best Christmas Gift?
who knows... my mom always gave the best presents.. especially the homemade ones.. so theres no telling.

10. Worst Gift?
I dont put much thought in to what it is I got... I dont care much.. Im just thankful for the day with the family. (A very small family might I add)

11. Do You Go To a "Work" Christmas Party?
I did every year I worked. But now Im just a student =)

12. Do You Hate Going?
No.

13. Do You Send Christmas Cards?
Yes!!

14. Do You Make a List?
for sure.

15. Do You Check it Twice and Thrice?
sometimes

16. When do You Start Shopping?
When I see it and I have the money.

17. Do You Shop on Black Friday?
depends on how bad I want whats going on sale. This year we did not.

18. Are You Ready for Christmas?
yes... even though it feels like Christmas already came and went because we did Christmas at our apt before coming "home" to the parents house.

>Christmas Came Early In Our House ;)

>I love being out of school and home with Jess, especially when shes off from bball at the same time. This past week and next week will be the best! We have nothing to do but be together. Today we decided to open our presents to each other before going home tomorrow, so we could avoid crushing the nicely wrapped gifts in the car. She got me a beautiful butterfly necklace (she calls me butterfly), a penguin blanket (we LOVE penguins!! Like almost obsessed!), and the MarioKart Wii game!! I got her The Santa Clause Trilogy which we both love!! I also got her a new winter coat and some Disney's Cars collector cars, because she has EVERYTHING "Cars"!! And in Kiwi's stocking she got 3 toys and 2 bones =) This is the best Christmas ever!!

>Christmas Card Pictures!!

>Yesterday, we took pictures for our Christmas cards. We debated for a long time on whether or not to go have our pictures made or just take them ourselves (the cheaper way!). We decided to do them ourselves in front of our tree, our very first tree!!! Plus, doing them ourselves meant Kiwi could be in the picture too, which is very important. These are 2 of the pictures we used. We loved how the cards turned out!! :D