Year in Review

2012 has been a pretty good year when I stop and think about it. Kyle and I have gone on adventures, done house improvements, and explored more of Texas, among other states.

Some of the highlights for the year (in no specific order):

1. Traveling to Germany. It has always been on my list, ever since I found out I am 97% German. We had tons of fun exploring with Max. We saw the Alps, Hitlers Eagles Nest, Ludwig Castles, and much more. I fell in love with the country and would love to go back again someday.
2. Traveling to Jackson Hole, WY. Such a beautiful land. The mountains, national parks, hotels...everything so beautiful. It was fun experiencing it with Texans (since they tend to think TX is the best state), it was fun hearing and seeing their reactions.
3. White Water Rafting. This is another item that has been on my bucket list. We rafted the Snake River in WY and had a BLAST.
4. My new job. I am currently immersed int he medical field. Something I never thought I would be, but at the same time, I am glad I made the leap. I can't really complain about my coworkers, hours, or anything! I am very grateful I found a new place of employment. 
5. Being able to be home to see my little sister graduate High School. I was very happy to be able to be a party of her big day/weekend!
6.  Seeing the Twins play in Dallas against the Rangers.
7. Seeing the Houston Texans play in the Reliant Field.
8. Being able to watch Kyle's and my Alma mater win the FCS Championship (against a Texas team no less) here in Texas!
9. My new car. I LOVE my new set of wheels! It helps (VERY much) make my 45 minute(+) commute go faster.
10. Tucker, our house, health, family and friends. So many things have happened this year I can't name them all, but I am thankful for each and every one.

Favorite picture from they year (you may recognize it from our Christmas card!)

Houston Texans Game

On Sunday some people through Kyle's work invited us to go to a Houston Texans game. They were playing the Indianapolis Colts, and it was on a Sunday...so Kyle and agreed!

This was no regular NFL experience, though. We were spoiled!

They picked us up in our city, and drove us to Houston. In a bus. A TOUR bus. Have you heard of the Josh Abbott Band? Yeah...their tour bus. It was crazy awesome/fun!

The tour bus! They picked us up in the Whataburger parking lot. Classy, right!?

 

Kyle chillin' on the bus, with Josh Abbott band cup and all!

 The Reliant Stadium, where the Texans play, was amazing! A very neat stadium. Thankfully it has a retractable roof because it was raining part of the time.I think they said it can fit roughly 70,000 people. This made me super excited to see what the Vikings will build in MN!

Kyle and I outside the front of the stadium. The Astrodome was located right next to it and it was dwarfed beside this stadium!

It was an exciting game, with a lot of action happening with both teams. There really never was a dull moment...even at halftime. They presented a family whose dad was stationed overseas with team jerseys. Then they brought out another gift...on a trailer in a huge wrapped box. They lifted it up and the DAD was there, in uniform. I was so excited/full of emotions I didn't even think to grab my camera and take a picture. If you get emotional when they show them on TV, you have NO idea what it was like in person! I still get goosebumps thinking about the look on the children's faces, especially in light of recent events.

Here is the group of people that went with from Kyle's work. Such good times!

 
 I am super happy I got to cross another "Texas Bucket List" item off the list! Houston Texan game; check. Now I just want to go back to Houston and explore the rest of the city!

Kyle and I at the Houston Texans game, Dec 16

Can You See It?

Tucker is SO enthused about this Christmas season. Can't you see it?

Ok, ok. I don't think he likes the Christmas lights NEARLY as much as I do! I think I am excited for the holiday season enough for all of us in the house!

Christmas light tour of our neighborhood coming soon!

Happy Birthday!

Sunday was Kyle's birthday. It was a VERY humid day, if I had to guess, percentages in the 80s or 90s. It was so sticky. (Ironic when I found out a blizzard was going on back home!) We celebrated the night before, by going out to eat at BJs Brewhouse. They have amazing craft beer and excellent food. After dinner we came back and opened his presents! (I'm not sure who was more excited, him or me!)

I had the sampler. My favorite beer was either the Jeremiah Red (Kyle's favorite) or the Nutty Brunette. Close call!

Free desert on your bday. Warm chocolate chip cookie straight out of the oven with ice cream on top. Yum!

The shirt he got from his mom for his birthday. Couldn't be more true!

We celebrated the end of the night by splitting a German beer Max brought us. Still hands down the best beer EVER.

 Also, as a "no-shave december" update...do you see that growing on his face? He constantly is scratching it, and I am constantly starting it; partly because I am amazed it is growing that much! I knew once he put his mind to growing it, nothing would stop him. Now I am just waiting for the day the bet is OVER. :)

Griswold Style...Almost

The Holiday Season is here! I am in FULL swing. My cube is decked out the the MAX (wrapping paper on my cube walls, garland, snowflakes (hand made, of course), bows, and stockings!) The house (inside) is getting there. Thanks to a lovely little cold this week all my energy was being used to get better rather than 'deck the halls.'

The outside of the house, however, is Kyle's domain. And he wasn't sick with the horrid cold. So the outside of our house looks great! Our neighborhood is SO festive...I hope to do a post dedicated to our neighbors lights soon!

So, here it is, Kyles masterpiece for 2012. (He already has a plan to go to the 'after Christmas sale' to get more lights and lawn ornaments!)

"No-Shave December"

Have you heard of "Movember?" I am sure most of you have, but in case you haven't I'll tell you! It is a month-long event where men participate in growing facial hair. They don't shave for a month with a goal to "change the face of men's health.

Anyway.

Kyle and the other males in his office wanted ever so badly to participate in this, however; due to a very important event that some were participating in, they pushed it back to December. They are making their own "Movember."

Part of this "bet" is to see who can grow the most hair/least hair...bragging rights from what I can tell.

Guess who is participating?? KYLE.

Kyle: 7 Days;        Dan: 32 Days

 Another major part of the office bet is to see who can grow the most facial hair between these two. Kyle and Dan. In that picture (taken December 1, 2012) Kyle has offically 7 days of growth (the longest he has ever gone without shaving). Dan has officially 32 days of growth (he knew he needed a head start to compete). As of now, my money is on Kyle, but you never know. His new nickname at the office is "patches" because, well, Kyle has patches all over his 'beard'. haha. 

I know you are dying to know who wins. But you have to wait until the end of the month! Don't worry; I'll keep you updated...whether you like it or not ;)

Another Year Older (and Wiser?)

On Sunday I turned 26 years old. I can't believe it! When I was little I couldn't even comprehend beyond 25. And now it seems like it was only a month ago I was writing this birthday post.

Since it landed on a Sunday during Thanksgiving weekend, this was how I got to spend "my day."

If you want to know anything about I35 South, or what stand-up comedians are the best, I can help you out!

Kyle and I were driving back from Kansas. For 13 hours. We hit horrible traffic south of Dallas. It did allow me to anwers any phone calls or texts, though! It was good bonding time with Kyle and Tucker (who slept for 99% of the trip).

My co-workers did decorate my cube and have a potluck for me. They threw a Mexican themed potluck (I am the only one with no Mexican heritage in our group) so it was a delicious authentic meal. Holiday tamales (is a traditional Mexican dish made of masa (a starchy dough, usually corn-based), which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper), pupusas (a a traditional dish from El Salvador made of a thick, handmade corn tortillas with a mixture of cheese, pork, and beans), homemade queso, rice, and salsa. I have definitely develped a love for Mexican food, beyond the normal Tex-Mex, even! (I think they like sharing their traditional dishes as well, just like when I shared cookie salad with them. They were AMAZED we eat that up north as a side dish, and not desert!) They even got a Dairy Queen ice cream cake,  (which again, the majaority of the people had never had before!)  I failed to get a picture of it. Sorry.

I did take a picture of my cube, though!

 

Overall it was a good birthday, celebrating the holiday with family! And a special Thank You to all who wished me a happy birthday or sent cards. I appreciate it! 

Thanksgiving

For Thanksgiving this year we traveled to Kansas, to Jason and Sally's new place. Everyone from Kyle's side "met in the middle." FYI: if you ever consider moving to Texas, nothing is really "in the middle" due to the fact that the state takes 8 hours alone. Anyway.

Everyone hadn't been together since last Christmas, so it was long overdue but so much fun. We had the chance to take family pics as well!

The girls before the formal pictures. [Sammi Jo, me, Jill, Janine, Sally, and Lauren in front]

The boys before the formal pic. [Christopher, Kyle, Tyler, Steve, Blake, Jason, Adam, and Brayden in front]

Brayden is growing up SO FAST.

And of course, when everyone gets together, who is left to watch the dogs? That's right, we all brought our pups with! A huge THANK YOU to Jason and Sally for allowing all 5 dogs to run your backyard for the weekend!

The 3 labs. Trigger (Adam's dog) Tucker (Kyles) and Blitzy (Tylers)

One of my favorites from the weekend, all the boys and their dogs!

I hope we can all get together sooner rather than later, unlike last year. I hope all of your Thanksgivings were blessed as well!

Christmas Showcase

Every year the weekend before Thanksgiving is the annual Christmas Showcase: Arts and Crafts Show downtown. It is like any other craft fair or craft show...but its on steroids. And focused on Christmas.

Building 1.

This is one building, the "main" one for this event. In total, there were 3 buildings just like this. We did lots of looking, lots of shopping, searching, and hunting down best prices. I bought Christmas presents and some decorations for my house. It was a blast. I normally do not get to go to these "girly" events down here, so I was thankful my friend and her mom invited me along with. The only thing better would've been my mom with, too!

They literally had everything from jewelry to knives to blankets to pictures. Everything. It was a tad overwhelming at some points, but then you would see something that drew your attention in and you would forget about the miles you walked, the crowds and baby strollers running over your feet and enjoy the surroundings.

Beautiful flowers!

Christmas trinkets of all kinds!

Needless to say, I was put in the Christmas mood very fast. I was ready to put up our lights and our tree and "deck the halls!" Kyle brought me back into reality, though, and politely reminded me that Turkey Day comes first :)

After the showcase we went out to eat at a fun place called Mi Tierra's. The atmosphere was SO fun, you almost forget you are in Texas instead of Mexico! Whenever the next person comes to visit and is in the mood for Mexican, we will be going here!

Such fun decorations all over the place!

 

Complete with a "cafe y panderia" full of authentic Mexican treats and sweets!

Right outside was the Market Square. I literally stopped in my tracks as I walked around. I thought for sure I was back in Cancun. Such a fun place...I can't wait to go back and explore more!

Anyway, until November 23...enjoy Thanksgiving time with friends and family :)

Gary Allen

On Friday a couple of our friends surprised us with Gary Allen tickets at a local venue. It's not as big as an AT&T center, or the Target Center, but it is big enough to hold concerts.

And Gary Allen.

I have always heard that he is not the best singer in person, so I wasn't sure what to expect. In the end, I was glad I had no expectations because I had a blast! We all did. We drank and danced and sang along to the songs at the top of our lungs. It was a fun night out with great people!

He sang all our favorite songs, his new hit single, plus more that haven't been released yet.

 

The group! Already looking forward to the next time!

8am on a Saturday

Kyle wakes me up at 7:11am last Saturday. I was not happy. (It's Saturday...you know, one of the best days to sleep in)  and for some reason, Kyle thought we needed to get to the park by 8am. Beat the heat and crowds and all (it was maybe 80º for a high and what...the random passerby on the trail?!)

Either way, I was up and we were headed to go for a walk. Or a hike. Whatever you call it. Tucker had about 2 weeks of bottled up energy and Kyle and I were looking forward to some fresh air and exercise.

Literally 8am on a Sat.. I didn't even realize I had the camera facing the sun, not us. Oops.

But it was a gorgeous fall day in the 80s with a light breeze. Perfect for a hike!

Eisenhower Park

We walked for just under 2 hours. Even found a spot to play fetch with Tucker. We walked up hills and down. Over rocks and paved walkways. It was a great morning outdoors!

I refused to go off the walkway in fear or snakes.

Tucker loves any opportunity to run after a ball!

Our pup!

 I guess it was worth getting up at 7am on a Saturday for. Maybe. ;)

Wurstfest: Sausage 'n Beer

It's that time of year again. Wurstfest!!! (Basically Octoberfest but not in October.) It's in a German town about 15 minutes north of Kyle and me.

Basically, we eat sausage (best in town), drink beer, and eat (in my case, smell) any type of amazing German food you can imagine. In particular, the German Chocolate Pie was calling my name, but my willpower won that battle (for once!) If you remember, we went last year; check out the post from 2011.

This year instead of going on the weekend we went on college night. We were meeting some friends of ours that had plans to go, so despite the "work night" we went to tackle the pitchers of beer and sticks of sausage. Still just as delicious as I remember!

Kyle and I by the infamous Wurstfest sign.

I still can't get over the HUGE tents and the legit polka bands and...whatever that instrument is that he is playing!

And, as always, the sausage and beer did not disapoint. I LOVE that Shiner is considered domestic. I do not love that a pitcher is 17 drink tickets!

Good ol' Shiner!

Maybe one of these days we will get to the real Octoberfest. We came close in April when we traveled to Germany...I'll count that :)

And, a saying I have bee hearing WAY too much lately... "Happy Fall Y'all!"

Craft Time

I had a bit of free time this past weekend, so instead of ONLY cleaning I decided to try out  an idea I found via Pinterest.

I made a "christmas tree" that is going to be a card holder.

This is what it looked like to start. A bunch of boards.

I gave them all a coat of paint (or two) and a little glitter (I looooooove sparkles!) to get this look.

Then all I had to do was glue them into place (I used a wood glue) and hot-glue the mini clothespins on and Viola! A Christmas Tree Card Holder!

I have some extra pins left over, so if I need to add any I always can.

I haven't decided exactly how I am going to hang it yet, but either way I am happy with how it turned out! I even managed to run Kyle's saw by myself!


And of course, my helper while I worked on this.

Tucker was about as helpful as the humidity was to drying the paint!

Now I am REALLY getting excited for Christmas. (I of course found all these supplies at Hobby Lobby which had 50% off all Christmas decorations!!! That did not help)

Hope everyone's November is off to a great start!

Trick or Treat

My place of employment loves Halloween. (That might even be an understatement). Every year the Friday before Halloween they have what is called "Harvest Fest." We organize a baking contest, pumpkin decorating contest, costume contest, and decorating contest. All in one day. AND, in addition to those festivities, they cater in lunch for the entire building. (Doesn't this sound like Thanksgiving or Christmas?!)

I entered the baking contest. This is my entry!

I made a "Pumpkin Patch" using a mini bundt cake pan.

I took second place!

This is what took first place. Eyeball cakes!

I considered entereing the pumpkin decorating contest but decided against it in the end. I really didn't know what to expect, since you can't carve. Based on what I saw this year, I think I'm for sure going to enter. (What can I say...I'm a joiner!)

This entry took first place. Pretty sweet if you ask me!

That is a pumpkin. For real. And those are hallowed out avocados for the eyes. How awesome is that?!

For the costume contest you could enter individually or as a group. You also had to do a skit. My "team" entered as the Beauty School Dropouts and we performed a short minute "skit" to the song "Beauty School Dropouts" from Grease. I do have a copy of the skit, check Facebook if you REALLY want to see it ;)

Here is my team. We ended up taking first place!

Beauty School Dropouts. Everyone is wearing a wig!

Since we were "dropouts" we had crazy hair and crazy makeup. We even had smocks made up with names on the back.

For the decorating contest I did not enter (it's usually a department thing and we decided to do the costume instead). Here are the three departments that got first, second, and third place.

Haunted House. They literally took 3 aisles and converted them to a haunted house. Lights off, walk through and they jump out at you, wear legit costumes and everything. CAH-RAZY.

Second place went to Smurfville. They even did a skit based off of an episode. Very creative.

Third place went to Under the Sea. They had a tiki hut, jelly fish...everything! Very fun.

It was a fun day at work! I doubt I will be able to top that at any other place I work at for the rest of my life!

On the actual Halloween day I handed out candy with my neighbors (since Kyle was gone) and I estimated just under 150 kids came trick-or-treating. Sadly, there was no Harry Potter this year. A LOT of Iron Man, though.

Kyle and I also went out with friends. Here are our costumes!

Kyle was Ace Venture and I was Flo from Progressive. (Click on the costume names to see a real picture of them!)

As a group, we had April O'Neil and Michelangelo (from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Carmen San Diego, and Where's Waldo.

 We had a costume contest at the bar we went and I ended up taking second place, and Where's Waldo took third! (First place went to a girl that was showing skin...of course!)

Overall it was a fun Halloween...but now I am already looking forward to Christmas!!!