First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage...

Then on January 3rd, comes the baby in the baby carriage....

Man in the Mirror

Look at the talent of my darling husband. I showed him the below picture and said I wanted these Mirrors for our entry way... 

and this is what he made... 

Pretty darn close and pretty darn cute in my opinion. What a talent - maybe I could get him on one of those remodeling shows - you know, like those cute carpenters they always have. I think he is pretty hot in his tool belt! 

He is also pretty cute in a bow tie...

Happy Birthday Colin

29 years ago today he was born and the world hasn't been the same since...

Growing up little girls dream of their future spouse - I was no different, but never in my dreams did I imagine someone quite as amazing as Colin. He has changed me for the better, is an example to all who know him, and I love and appreciate all he does for me. There are more than 29 reasons I love this boy, but I thought I would start with just that....

1. FUNNY - Nobody can make me laugh harder

2. Imaginative - The Scenarios that play out in his head are incredible

3. Friendly - I gave him the nickname "Coli-spaniel" early on

4. Talented - If I can dream it, he can build it

5. Ambitious - Maybe because he is so talented he feels comfortable with having big dreams

6. Big Hearted - He will always ask how I am feeling if, or if someone is okay when he knows things haven't been going so well. 

7. Excited about Life

8. Compassionate - He is always offering to help those less fortunate

9. Honest - He can be blunt, or embarrass his wife, but never tells a lie

10. He plays my games 

11. Generous - Except with his cupcakes

12. Smells Amazing

13. Can say he is Sorry 

14. Knows how to have a good time - Karaoke!

15. Silly - Ask him to make up a song on the spot... you will see what I mean

16. Brave - He always checks out the bumps in the night

17. Loyal 

18. He loves songs you get to yell when you sing 

19. Smart - Still remembers how to do every math equation

20. Athletic - He can still bust out back-handsprings and flips with no problem

21. Curious - He MUST know how it works and why

22. He lets me be me - Never once has he asked me to be different than I am

23. Hard Working - Even on his days off he is working on something

24. Authentic - I don't think he could be fake if he wanted to

25. Supportive 

26. Loving

27. Gentle - I love to see him with kids, he is so sweet

28. So Cute - I never get jealous when girls check him out... how could I blame them?

29. FUN - Never a dull moment in the last 3 years, or I'm sure the 29 of his life

Happy Birthday Babe!

Here are some of my favorite Colin Videos....

Not Gone... Just Away

(That title is for you A) 

We're here. So so busy, but still here. This last weekend Colin and I tried to find out exactly how much you could fit into 72 hours. The outcome? Quite a bit. First we started in the Dunes, with boys and their toys. Yep, I was the only girl. Then Friday night we made our way to San Diego to see the Campbell's and the ocean. Sunday we headed back to Mesa, but not without stopping in Quartzsite to see my Grandparents on another one of their motor home adventures. 

Studly Dune Cody

Colin's Idea of Romance = Mary & the Dunes

Colin's idea of Sand

Dune Sunset

Mary and Grandpa

Grandma and Aunt Lola

Mary's idea of Sand

Mary and Adrianne - Squinty, but Happy

Festive Lunch - Ole!

Hannah treating Colin and I to a story - Yes, 3 year old Hannah can read!

La Salsa

Let me please express to you... the wonder that is...  Rebecca Dent's salsa. 

In talking one day, my friend Rebecca explained to me that she makes and sells salsa out of her house. This was all new news to me, and Ms. Le Cordon Bleu chef mentioned it so modestly that I didn't really think anything of it, but I gladly placed an order. Once we received the salsa it only took us 3 DAYS to finish 3 containers. I couldn't get it in my mouth fast enough. Colin and I would do that "okay, just one more chip" game until we would finish an entire bag and were forced to finish. I have to admit that my stomach didn't feel very well from the massive amounts of tomato acid and tortilla chips... Really, I just couldn't stop! 

There are 3 amazing flavors -- Red (like you would have at a Mexican restaurant with chips before your meal), Green (This is Colin and his families favorite), and Chunky (which doesn't taste like chemicals and preservatives like at the store). I understand this is a lot to say about a little salsa, but I feel like when you come across a little gem like this you need to share. If you're interested, I am happy to pass on the Chef's information.

There's No Place Like Home

I don't think there is anything more comforting than Christmas with your family. Christmas is magical and fun - add your family and it's all the better. Every time we go home (Christmas or not) my parent's don't hold back on the fun (and food), and there really isn't much resistance from us girls.  I guess it's their tactic - leaving us always wanting more. 

I'm glad to say that I assisted in Colin's first white Christmas. Seattle was so white and full of snow we we're actually worried we would never make it. While cabin fever did set in around day 3 we still loved every minute. I can regret the extra lbs later...

Lets Start it off with double of the girl who 

has never shied away from the camera!!!

She takes so many pictures it drives her husband to drink!

(J/K - it's one of the many root beers consumed)

Dad and his girlfriend Lilly

Hey Mom, I know about this party....

Colin's first snow man (well, Hockey Man)

Adam, the snow native, showed him how it is done.

Mama getting ready for WhirlyBall. 

WhirlyBall involves electric carts, plastic scoops, a wiffle ball, 

and apparently when you play with competitive boys, lots of bruises.

We were all still friends in the end.

Dad making his famous pancakes

Snow from the Car

It's tradition to all get pedicures together while we're home...

Yep, even the boys!

Sisterly Love

Bro-Mance 

(they were sharing the blanket before I took the picture)

Girls doing a little shopping

Laura couldn't pass up another photo-Op

All that fun was exhausting...

Close your mouth Mary!

Thanks Mom and Dad for a Great Christmas!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This really is my favorite time of the year. Even in Arizona when our winter lows are at 50 degrees I still love Christmas music, dressing in fuzzy sweaters and making festive gifts. I hope each year that I will gain new Holiday Inspiration for something creative to make or yummy bake. This year, I was thinking more on the "Budget Friendly" side of things. I can't quite let go of giving holiday cheer altogether, but I was sure I could be a little more thrifty in my finds. Admittedly, I have a tendency to go over-the-top and spend much of my days scouring the Internet for the latest in all things holiday. I'm constantly getting sidetracked by the beautiful things I have found. I need to remind myself that delight does not reside in things, but the real gift that Christmas brings...hey, I can rhyme!

Nothing says Happy Holidays like Homemade Treats and Ugly Sweaters.....

Sugar Cookies Made with Love

Red and Blue was my theme this year

Ugly Sweater Party - I think we won!

Someone couldn't get enough of the photos...

Lloyd Christmas was the hit of the Party

Now tilt your head to the left - Yeah, that looks good

Wow, That Was Swell!

I feel so warm and Fuzzy in my Poinsettia Ensemble