Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Giselle's Love Life Exposed

The Sunday before Thanksgiving, Josh and I awaited patiently for my sister to arrive from her 20 some odd hour drive down from Provo, Utah. She had 3 others in the car with her.

Luke-An energetic, Spanish/Korean speaking Kiwi with a passion for Fantasty novels.

Georgia- Luke's sister, sweet like sugar (enough said).

Hayden-The "Boyfriend"

The drive, speaking from experience, was long and arduous. Giselle being the host forgot her duties and didn't bring water or healthy snacks to munch on. These kids were hopped up on sugar, mountain dew, and were quite dehydrated and delirious when they got to my house. Luckily we had some homecooked Chili with lots of water (they even slipped in some vitamins). After lunch we watched a movie as we all relaxed before they drove down 4 more hours down to Houston.

We met them in Conroe (where my dad's ranch is located) on Wednesday night to start the holiday weekend. It was rowdy and loud with all 20 somthing people (mostly family) at the house but loads of fun. Thanksgiving was delicious and believe it or not we DID NOT nap! (Tragic... I know). However, it was hard to think of sleep when we had a four wheeler, Go Kart, a chopped up Pathfinder ripping through the forest and a bit of mud. We even snuck in a few hours at Wal-Mart on Black Friday (an event I will NEVER take Josh to again). ADVICE: Anyone with a temper or lack of patience should not be allowed to leave the house during Black Friday!! We were in a red neck town and by the looks of all the camo it wasn't a good idea to piss anyone off. We made it through safe and sound. Luke and Georgia enjoyed the experience and got great deals on candy and socks. My cousin, Prissy, and I were a little more ambitious we went for the lap top and cam corder devices.

So during our short vacation we finally got to meet and experience Giselle's boyfriend (one we actually liked) and here is what we gathered:

Rugby player so yes he's a Kiwi (she loves the accent), a bit quiet or reserved (must of been nerves), EATS a lot thus always hungry, quick learner (now knows more complete sentences in Spanish), loves to wear same type of round neck t-shirts (sticks to black and white colors) but has one with a pocket too, nice guy, served a mission in New Zealand, according to Giselle he majors in interior design(lol she forgets it's actually Industrial Design), pretty good at pool....well as you can see the list can go on and on. Basically Giselle likes him a lot and so do we (could take my dad a little while longer though...TIP to Hayden: Find common ground other than Giselle)

Although we missed our Jo-Mama this year we are thankful Hayden was with us to fill a spot in our family and maybe someday a permanent spot as well. Luke and Georgia were so much fun as well. We have so much to be thankful for this year all in all it has been an amazing year for our family.

Favorite quote of the week.Luke is trying to teach Hayden spanish....Luke says "Quien es tu papi?" Hayden's face looks confused "Huh?" We all just bust out laughing....*ahhh good times*

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thank you, Gracias, Danke, Merci, Grazie etc

In the spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday I decided to write a few of the things I'm most grateful for past, present, and future. I like how people are using social media to let everyone know each day how thankful they are for the people in their lives, the things they have, etc. However, my new goal is to not use social media as often and instead grab a book, write, or call a friend (it would be better use of my time).

These are in no particular order just what popped into my head.

I am thankful for family. Not just my husband or siblings and parents but every single member of my family dating back to Adam and Eve, were it not for the decisions of each of them ,good and bad, I would not be where I am today.

I am grateful for my friends: they support me, cry with me, love me unconditionally, don't judge me, make me laugh, and are there for me when I need them most.

Extremely thankful for language because without it I wouldn't be able to express myself.

I'm in complete debt to my Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ for all of the blessings he bestows upon me. Words cannot fully express how thankful I am for his sacrifice and all he gives to me.

One day I will have a slew of fans all around the world which I am thankful for but for now I am grateful for the few who support my writing.

A specific shout out to my Hubby, my partner for the eternities, I am appreciative of his loving and tender ways, his determination, his character and personality which balances me out.

On a quick side note: I am thankful for pilgrims who years later make it possible for me to get 2 paid days off of work to stuff my face and watch football *ahhh the life*

I could go on and on and on when it comes to the things that I am thankful for because the list is endless from the electrons in my body's atoms to the stars billions of miles away that shine down on me, filling my soul with hope and wonder for the future.

Life is so precious, thus very fragile. Praying helps me remember this simple fact and reminds me to always a spirit of thanksgiving in my heart.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

A Quarter of a Century

It's been 8 days 4 hours 8 minutes and 15 seconds since I turned 25.

Josh woke up at 4 am to get ready for work and as he shuffled, my eyes began to adjust to the faint light coming from the kitchen. The first thought was "Why didn't he wake me up with a kiss?" He was way ahead of me already getting my present all fixed up and setting it in the room so it'd be the first thing I saw when I woke up. Sure enough I sat up and saw this huge birthday bag with blue tissue paper sticking out of it. As I quickly fixed my hair and rubbed the tiredness out of my eyes, I looked up and there he was standing in the door way just staring at me. He came in and said "Happy Birthday my love" and hugged me tight.

I turned my attention to the present and teared up as I read the card (he always puts so much thought and attention to the cards he gets me, all of which I have saved up in our special "box"). Luckily Josh knows me well enough even through our short 10 months of being together. He got me a purse that's all me and just a splash of him. He noticed I was fumbling around with some Sponge Bob Square Pants slippers at Wal-Mart just a few days before and those appeared in the big bag as well (he didn't exactly get the size right but his intentions were good because I love how cozy my feet feel in them). And last but not least some sugar to keep my fruity satisfactions throughout the week since I don't like chocolate.

We shared a special moment as we blew out the candles on a slice of cheese cake and made a wish (we hope will come true by next year). And then out of no where appeared a small box tied with a ribbon. Josh said he was thinking of giving it to me later in the day but he thought She's going to think that's it?! I opened the box and inside neatly wrapped was a pearl necklace with earrings. He knew I had been wanting a pearl necklace for some time. It was such a great birthday and being able to finally share it with my one true love is even better. Through the ups and downs, the tears and joy, the laughter and anger there isn't another person on this planet I would rather share those moments with.

This is how we spent my birthday.
Dallas Aquarium 

Jelly fish glowing in the dark

Feeding time for the Jaguar 

Stinky + beautiful coloring=Flamingo's 

Couldn't believe this fit this giant in the tank!